All Things New: A Love That Breaks Barriers
This week’s readings speak about the
transformative love of God—a love that not only makes all things new
(Rev. 21:5), but also tears down the dividing walls between people and draws
them into a new creation through Christ.
I. The Radical Inclusion of
God's Grace
Acts 11:1–18
Peter is explaining to Jewish
believers why he entered the house of a Gentile (Cornelius) and baptized him.
The early church was struggling to understand that the Gospel was not just for
Jews, but for all nations.
- God’s vision (Acts 10) broke Peter’s
traditional understanding of “clean” and “unclean.”
- Peter testifies that the Holy Spirit fell on
the Gentiles just as on the Jews at Pentecost.
- The statement “Who was I to think that I could
stand in God’s way?” (v. 17) challenges us: Are we standing in God’s
way when He moves beyond our expectations?
Application:
- God’s love and salvation are for all people—every
race, tribe, background, and lifestyle.
- We are called to tear down walls of prejudice,
tradition, and fear, and invite others into God's family.
- The church must always ask: Are we aligned with
God's mission or resisting it due to comfort or culture?
II. The New Creation Has
Already Begun
Revelation 21:1–6
John sees a new heaven and a new
earth. This is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan—a world renewed
by the love and righteousness of Christ.
- “God will dwell with them”—this is Eden restored, a
world where God’s presence is uninterrupted.
- “No more death, mourning, crying, or pain”—the end
of suffering is not a dream, but a promise.
- “I am making all things new” – Not just one day in
heaven, but now, through the work of Christ and the Spirit.
Application:
- As believers, we live as citizens of the new
creation, reflecting heaven’s values on earth.
- The church is a preview of that eternal city—a
place of healing, welcome, justice, and peace.
- Are we participating in the "making new"
work of Jesus in our homes, neighborhoods, and hearts?
III. The Commandment of Love –
Our Identity
John 13:31–35
These words were spoken just
after Judas left to betray Jesus. Despite the betrayal, Jesus focuses on glory
and love.
- Jesus calls this a “new commandment”—not
because love is new, but because the standard is new: “As I have loved
you.”
- Christ’s love is sacrificial, unconditional, and
forgiving.
- Love is not a suggestion—it is the mark of a
true disciple.
Application:
- The world will know Jesus through our love for
one another.
- Can we love like Jesus in the face of betrayal,
conflict, and hurt?
- Loving one another includes forgiveness,
generosity, patience, humility, and truthfulness.
IV. Worship and Witness: All
Creation Praises the Lord
Psalm 148
- Every created thing—angels, stars, animals, kings,
and children—are called to praise the Lord.
- Praise is a response to God’s majesty and mercy.
- God “has raised up a horn for His people”—this is a
prophetic reference to Jesus, the Savior.
Application:
- Our lives are to be lived as praise offerings.
- When we love radically, welcome
inclusively, and serve sacrificially, we declare God's glory
louder than any song.
- Worship fuels mission. It’s not just singing—it’s
living with purpose and passion.
Conclusion: Love That Changes
the World
This Fifth Sunday of Easter calls
us to:
- Welcome the outsider like Peter did,
breaking down human walls.
- Live with resurrection hope, knowing Christ
is making all things new.
- Love one another deeply, as Christ has loved
us.
- Praise God with our whole being, joining the
symphony of creation.
God is not done. He is still
working. And His plan is love unleashed, through you and me.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for
making all things new through Your love. Help us to love as You have loved us.
Tear down the walls we’ve built, and make us one. May our lives be a song of
praise to Your name. Amen.
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