God Shows No Favoritism

Daily Office Readings for Friday, August 28, 2026

Psalm 16, 17, 22; Job 9:1-15, 32-35; Acts 10:34-38; and John 7:37-52

Our nation received the news recently that Dolly Parton, an American icon, died of cancer at the age of 80. Accolades and tributes filled our social apps, TV news, and newspapers. The reaction was worldwide. Even the King’s Guard band in England played a song that she created, “9 to 5.” She was just Dolly, for she was a simple woman born in poverty who dared to be who she was. She exhibited love and respect for everyone. She was not afraid to share her wealth with those who needed help.

When I see this type of outpouring, I am reminded of something that Peter expressed in our Daily Office Scriptures today: “I see clearly that God shows no favoritism” (Acts 10:34).

Not everyone would agree, but I do believe we saw the spirit of Christ in Dolly’s actions. Some questioned if Jesus was the real deal. Some saw him as the prophet that had been predicted would come. Others thought he was the Messiah. Others said he can’t be, for the Messiah will not come from Galilee. Even the Temple guards who were sent to arrest him would not, for they had never heard anyone speak like him. We all react to what we see and hear. That is God’s grace allowing us the freedom to respond.

Jesus promised that whoever believes in Him would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter saw this happen in the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. Gentiles were not part of the group that was considered God’s people. This was a huge change for the religious leaders and the people who believed the Gentiles were unclean and not acceptable. Even Peter had to be convinced this was God’s plan.

Job declared that God does great things too marvelous to understand, for God performs countless miracles. It would be so easy for us to condemn the religious leaders for their actions and feelings and the people who doubted. Yet, how many times have we doubted God or dared to say, “This can’t be from God,” because we are hung up on a doctrine or a tradition that does not allow God’s Spirit to act?

It is easy to look at others and decide where they are wrong. It is much harder to look within ourselves. At the Last Supper, when Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him, they did not immediately begin pointing fingers at one another. They asked, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Perhaps that is a question worth asking ourselves. When I am tempted to judge another person’s faith, question where God may be working, or believe that my understanding is the only possible understanding, perhaps I need to stop and ask, “Lord, is it I?”

Discernment is a gift of God’s Spirit. I am still learning to listen, and I still pray, “Lord, open my eyes that I may see.” Jesus declared that anyone who is thirsty and anyone who believes in me may come and drink. This includes me and you.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.

Lord Jesus Christ, be present with me.

Lord Jesus Christ, heal what is wounded.

Lord Jesus Christ, teach me to see.

The Curious Pilgrim