Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)
Read Acts 10:34-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 34Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, Verse 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Verse 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all. Verse 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: Verse 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Verse 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; Verse 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, Verse 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Verse 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. Verse 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Devotion
Literally and symbolically trees figure prominently in the biblical narrative. The tree of life is there in the garden in the beginning (Genesis 2:9). It is there again in the midst of the holy city at the end (Revelation 22:2). A tree, the cross, is planted in the middle of our faith, as Peter reminds us (Acts 10:39). Because of these trees we are rooted in revelation and we are given life in reality.
Often we are surrounded by problems and concerns that cause us to lose our leaves. The season of Lent can be a reminder to us that in the forest we are not to lose sight of the trees.
Prayer
O Lord of life, help us to live and draw nourishment from the tree of life. Because you have called us to be your witnesses, enable us to testify that Christ is the one whom you ordained as judge and savior of the living and the dead. Amen.