Today’s reading:
Romans 2:1-11
“For there is no partiality with God.” (v. 11)
There is a high level of partiality among human beings, in every culture, among groups and communities of people. It is almost viewed as evil and generally associated with corruption. Partiality can be defined as the act of relating to a part only; it means not total or not entire; having a preference or fondness; discriminating; inclined to favour one party or person or group over other(s). Human nature tends to be partial or show partiality, in areas such as loving, judgement, giving, and so on.
Even in the Scripture, the show of partiality first appeared in Gen. 29:30, where it is said that Jacob was partial to Rachael among his wives and concubines; Jacob was also partial to Joseph (Gen. 37:3-4) from among his twelve sons; Joseph was partial to Benjamin his full-blooded brother (Gen 43:34). In 1 Sam 1:5, it is recorded that Elikanah was partial to Hanna, between his two wives. Rebecca loved Jacob than Esau, thereby showing partiality. It is interesting to read that God warned the children of Israel that they should not be partial in judging among people (Deut. 1:17). In Deut. 10:17, God himself confirmed to the Israelites that as mighty and awesome as He is, He shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. Apostle James warned in the New Testament that if one shows partiality, he/she commits sin, and so convicted by the law as a transgressor (James 2:1, 8-9). Unlike human beings, God has never been found or known to be partial. This stems from his perfect nature and character. The Scripture confirms some of his nature: that God is not man that He should lie or repent of his word (Num. 23:19); He is not blind and his eyes go to and fro upon the earth (2 Chr. 16:9); his judgement is true and righteous (Ps. 19:10); He will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing (Eccl. 12:14); God sees everything (Heb. 4:13).
In Today’s reading, the fact of the impartiality of God in judgement is greatly portrayed and it is instructive. In v2, it is said that the judgement of God is according to truth and that He renders to each one according to his deeds (v6). It follows that each reaps what he sows’ The impartial judgement of God is referred to in v5 as “righteous”. God commanded the Israelites in Deut. 1:17 that they should not show partiality in judgement, for judgement is his. He is the judge of the universe and of all mankind. However, He has given the last final judgement to Jesus Christ his Son. Believers are commanded also not to show partiality. Many consequences arise from impartiality among mankind. Even the Bible records some consequences including hostility and hatred, as experienced by Joseph from his other eleven brothers when their father Jacob showed partiality to him. This almost led to his being murdered. The impartiality shown by Rebecca to Jacob stirred up jealousy in his twin brother Esau, who attempted to murder him. Discord, in-fighting, jealousy and other evil can be sown in families, groups, communities and among friends, if partiality is exhibited by leaders or heads. In the events of judgment, the great should not be preferred over the small, rich over the poor, national over foreigner.
Believers are expected to follow the example of God and, of course, Jesus our Saviour, by being impartial in every area of life.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we thank you for your wonderful nature and character, including impartiality.
Precious Lord, we appreciate that your sacrifice of salvation is impartial.
Lord, please teach us the lessons and help us to be impartial.
Father, remove the sin of impartiality from the church.
Father, purge our nation from impartiality in every area and sector so that the nation can make great progress.
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