Community Easter Sunrise

April 8, 2007

Victor H. Nixon

GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY

Acts 10:34-43

"I truly understand that God shows no partiality."

The first time I can remember hearing the word "partial" was from my Granddad Nixon at a family gathering. We were sitting at the dinner table, passing steaming bowls from one to the other until our plates were heaped with mouth-watering food fresh from the garden. As Granddad spooned a large helping he winked at me and said, "I’m partial to your grandmother’s fried okra."

At the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what the word "partial" meant, but I did understand from his tone that he was expressing a preference for fried okra over the green beans and corn on the cob. Although fried okra was one of my favorites—and still is—I personally preferred my grandmother’s delicious Karo nut pie that would come later with other desserts. Given the cold weather this morning, I’d prefer a bowl of hot oatmeal—or anything warm, for that matter. When it comes to food we all have our preferences.

When it comes to partiality, food is one thing, people are another, according to the Apostle Peter in the text from the Book of Acts that Kakki Greene read a few moments ago. The issue was table fellowship with outsiders, people who were different, who did not share the same heritage, nationality, race or religious tradition. Peter addressed those present by saying, "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who reveres God and does what is right is acceptable to God. You know the message God sent to the people, preaching peace by Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. "(Acts 10:34)

Peter reminded those present—and us—that God raised Jesus from the dead, not for the benefit of one group, but for the benefit of all people. Easter is God’s encompassing message of peace for all people.

Dr. James H. Cone, world-renowned Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Seminary in New York, a native of Arkansas and graduate of Philander Smith College, reminded his audience last week here in Little Rock that partiality "is America’s original sin." He was addressing that partiality we know as racism, but his statement applies to any of the other preferences by which one group of people demeans, dismisses or deprives any other on the basis of nationality, religion, sex, age or economic status.

Certainly, we have made some progress. We know that here in Little Rock and in Arkansas. We also know that our preferences still divide God’s people here and around the world, and the inevitable consequences are poverty, war, ignorance, human suffering and environmental crisis. The greatest problem of our time remains one of partiality.

Easter is God’s personal and world-reversing message that partiality is not God’s way. Peace is and wholeness is.

Easter is God’s signal that partiality divides and destroys. Love reconciles and creates anew.

Easter is God’s signal that self-interest is the way of death, and concern for others, especially outsiders, is the way of life.

Easter is God’s proclamation that partiality fuels fear and distrust, and that hospitality builds mutual confidence and faith.

Easter is God’s vision of hope for a new and hopeful future for our human family that comes through hospitality and respect.

I remember another thing about that meal with my grandparents. In the middle of devouring my pecan pie, there was a knock at the front door that was opened to reveal a family of strangers who apologized for dropping by unexpectedly. They explained that they were new in town and needed directions. My grandmother invited them in and insisted that they have a bite to eat. Over their protestation she said, "There’s plenty for all of us." Chairs were brought. We shifted to make room at the table as plates and silverware were provided for the guests. After they were seated, Granddad picked up a bowl and said to the visitors, "Would you like some of this fried okra?"

Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!