God’s Heart for All People
Scripture:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." - Acts 1:8
Cowboy Wisdom: From the very beginning, God's plan wasn't limited to one group of people. Just like a rancher doesn't put up fences to keep all the cattle in one corner of the pasture, God never intended to confine His love to just one nation. The whole range belongs to Him, and He's calling every stray home.
Cornelius was a Roman centurion—an outsider by Jewish standards. Yet God saw his seeking heart. He was like a cowboy who knew there was good water somewhere but hadn't yet found the spring. God was about to lead him straight to the source. The Jewish believers thought salvation was their exclusive property, like a private water hole. But God was about to show them that His well runs deep enough for everyone. When Jesus told His disciples to be witnesses "to the uttermost part of the earth," He meant it. That includes every remote ranch, every distant territory, and every person who seems too far gone or too different to reach.
"A good rancher knows every head of cattle matters, whether they're branded or not. God's the same way—He's looking for every lost soul, no matter where they wandered from."
Questions for Reflection:
Who are the "Gentiles" in your life—people you might unconsciously think are outside God's reach?
How does knowing that God loves the whole world change the way you view people different from you?
Are there any groups of people you've written off as unlikely candidates for God's grace?
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to expand your vision for His kingdom. Pray that He would help you see people through His eyes—as souls He loves and died for, regardless of their background, culture, or past.
