Peter explained why he was willing to baptize the Gentile, Cornelius. He said, “I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10.34).
Pharaoh is typical of the world’s system. He elevated himself to the position of a god and viewed his subjects as “tools” to satisfy his desire for power and possessions.
While Pharoah “respected” persons with varying levels of worth, God commands his people to give all persons the dignity reserved for individuals who are created in his image.
“You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
“You shall not abuse any widow or orphan.
“If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry;
“My wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans” (Exodus 22:21-24).
Resident aliens (or immigrants), widows, and orphans were the most vulnerable people in the ancient world.
Ancient societies were male-dominated. Women and children were not allowed to earn a living independent of male influence.
Immigrants had no rights and were subject to the oppression of more powerful members of society.
God, who is no respecter of persons, refused to allow his people to model the behavior of Pharaoh.
He freed his people to create a new community that was based on his character and nature, not that of the world’s system.
Like chickens, the world’s system has a pecking order. The most powerful dominate the vulnerable. We can see the pecking order on the school playground or in political discourse.
The people of God are a new community and are to reflect God’s character. What are some ways we can be different from Pharaoh-like behavior?
(1) I am currently reading a book about a Harvard trained doctor who has devoted his practice to serving the homeless.
During his first meeting with homeless persons, he fills tubs with betadine solution and warm water for the patients to soak their feet.
This act puts him at the feet of his patient and opens the door for genuine conversation.
His act models the value of stepping into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective, and treating them with kindness and respect.
(2) Everyone has biases. I know that I do.
However, recognizing these biases is the first step toward eliminating them. This awareness will help us to not be “respecters of persons.”
(3) The clinic where the doctor has served since the mid-1980s was founded by nurses. They were committed to listening to the homeless persons who came to their clinic.
Rather than the length of an appointment that was determined by insurance providers, these nurses listen to their patients for as long as genuine communication takes.
This simple act shows respect and value for others and opens the door to healing.
(4) The chickens’ pecking order excludes the vulnerable and marginalized. As we model God’s character, we will strive for inclusivity.
This means actively including people who might otherwise be left out or marginalized.
The Cries of the Disrespected
The oppressed Israelites “groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cry for help rose up to God from their slavery” (Exodus 2.23).
God responded to their cry and worked to free them from oppression and slavery.
God told the community founded by his mighty actions that if they were to oppress the most vulnerable among them, “I will surely heed their cry” (Exodus 22.23).
Jesus raised people who were put down by the powerful. He included those who others excluded. Here is how he taught and acted with the marginalized.
(1) The Immigrant – In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the hated immigrant (the Samaritan) is lauded as the one who provided aid to a distressed traveler.
(2) The way that Jesus helped the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) is an example of God’s grace toward a marginalized outcast.
(3) Jesus highlighted the contribution of the widow (Mark 12:41-44). She gave all of her possessions and relied on God’s provision.
These three examples and many more illustrate how valuable the most vulnerable people are to God.
The people of God are his alternatives to the Pharaohs of our world. God’s people definitely don’t want to be the cause of the oppressed cry to God.
We want to embrace God’s character and respect every person who has been created in his image.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 