“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” – Acts 10:34-35
The people who follow Jesus, and the people who serve the world in the name of Jesus, are a diverse people. Women, men, and children of every race and nationality represent Jesus around the world. When you look back in history, you will see that the people who first helped the church come to life are a diverse people. In fact, two of the strongest leaders of the early church were quite different from one another.
Peter was one of the first people to follow Jesus. He famously laid down his nets to become a “fisher of people.” (Matthew 4:9) Peter followed Jesus from the shores of the sea of Galilee where he grew up working with his hands, making a living by fishing. Peter went from being a blue-collar worker to leading the church from Jerusalem to Rome.
Paul was from a family that provided him the best of education. He was a highly trained Jewish Pharisee who was an expert in the law and had great political ambition. Paul was also a Roman citizen. Unlike Peter, Paul did not follow Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Paul met Jesus in that famous encounter on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9)
Two different men, two different backgrounds, two different journeys, yet both worked to bring about a church that has shared the good news of Jesus around the world. Peter and Paul were dissimilar, but they had the same goal. Peter and Paul came from two distinct backgrounds, but they worked together to create a church where all could belong.
We all are part of a family of faith. We are not all the same. God uses all types of people to accomplish His good purpose. We often focus on our differences, but it is our purpose that unites us. As God’s people, we are called to a good work, (Ephesians 2:10) sharing God’s love and bringing hope to the world.
You are part of this family of faith, created by God to share love and hope with the world. You were created, by God, for a wonderful purpose. We should not compare ourselves to others, but rather focus on the truth that God created us to do good and realize that, although we are different, when we work together, like Peter and Paul, we can build a better world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
