Reconciled (1 Samuel 16:7)

24.3.17a - Racial Reconciliation

Imagine, for a moment, a world where the divisions that so often define and separate us are no longer barriers. A world where the content of one's character, the depth of one's faith, and the sincerity of one's love are the true measures of value and identity. Now, reflect on our reality—a world where, too often, the color of one's skin, the culture from one's heritage, and the differences in our appearances become reasons for division, misunderstanding, and even conflict.

Today, we are gathered here not just as a congregation but as a family, united under the banner of Christ's love. Yet, even within our sacred assembly, we must confront a pressing question, a question that resonates through the corridors of our society and echoes in the chambers of our own hearts: How can we, as followers of Christ, transcend the racial divisions that pervade our world and truly embody the unity and love to which God calls us?

The Bible, our infallible guide, does not shy away from this question. Instead, it offers us profound insights and divine principles that can lead us toward the answer. Through the stories of old and the teachings of Christ, we find a path to not just coexisting but truly understanding, appreciating, and loving one another across the lines that the world sees as insurmountable.

As we look around our world today, we are confronted with the reality of division—divisions that often run along the lines of race, ethnicity, and culture. The news pushes stories that are intended to rile us up and make us angry at people who look a certain way. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard, a heavenly standard that transcends these earthly divides. We are called to look past the deception of Satan that says the few represent the many. That’s just not the truth, no matter how much time and money the News outlets spend telling us it is.

In a world where the contentions of race and identity often lead to walls of separation, Christ calls us to build bridges of reconciliation. Our calling is not just to coexist but to become a family in Christ, embodying the richness of God's creation in our unity and diversity. But why, you might ask, should we, as a church, focus on racial reconciliation? The answer lies at the very heart of the Gospel and the nature of God's kingdom—a kingdom where every tribe, tongue, and nation stands together before the throne of God.

Scriptural Anchor: 1 Samuel 16:7

Today, we anchor our message in the profound truth found in 1 Samuel 16:7. When Samuel was sent to anoint the next king of Israel, he was drawn to Eliab's appearance and stature. Yet, the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

This scripture pierces through the superficial distinctions that so often divide us, reminding us that God's vision is not limited by the external markers that humans prioritize. God looks at the heart, and in doing so, He sets a standard for us: to look beyond the outward, beyond the skin color, beyond the cultural differences, and to see the image of God in each person.

In embracing this divine perspective, we confront the need to address and heal racial divisions within our church and our community. It's not merely a social or political agenda; it is a biblical imperative, a vital expression of our faith in a God who values the heart above all.

I invite you to open your hearts to what God might reveal to us today. Let us seek His wisdom, His compassion, and His vision as we explore what the Bible really says about racial reconciliation. Let us aspire to glorify God, not just with our lips but with our actions, as we strive to embody the unity and love He desires for all His children.

Understanding the Issues

The Prejudice Against Moses' Cushite Wife (Numbers 12):

Numbers 12:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out.

In Numbers 12, we encounter a poignant story that illustrates the age-old issue of prejudice based on ethnic or cultural differences. Moses, the leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from Egypt, faced criticism not for his leadership or faith but for his personal life—specifically, whom he chose to marry. Aaron and Miriam, his own brother and sister, spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife. They questioned, "Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?" The text suggests their challenge to Moses' authority was linked to their disapproval of his interracial marriage.

God's response to this was swift and clear. He called the three siblings into the tent of meeting and affirmed Moses' unique role, rebuking Aaron and Miriam for their challenge. Miriam was stricken with leprosy, a physical manifestation of her inner prejudice, and though she was healed after Moses' intercession, the message was unmistakable: God does not tolerate prejudice.

This incident underscores a vital truth: prejudice based on ethnicity is antithetical to God's values. God looks at the heart, the character, and the obedience of an individual, not their racial or ethnic background.

A Recurring Issue in Scripture:

The story in Numbers 12 is not an isolated incident. The Scriptures provide numerous examples where conflicts arise due to ethnic differences or cultural misunderstandings:

• In Exodus, we see the Egyptians oppressing the Israelites, fearing their difference and potential power.
• Samson's interactions with the Philistines often revolve around mutual disdain between two distinct groups.
• In the times of Nehemiah and Ezra, we witness opposition and prejudice as the exiles rebuild Jerusalem and reform their community, facing resistance from surrounding peoples and internal conflicts about intermarriage.
• Esther demonstrates the danger of genocidal hatred in Haman's plot against the Jews, fueled by ethnic animosity.

⠀Even the perpetual enmity between Israel and the Amalekites serves as a testament to the long-lasting impacts of racial and ethnic conflicts.

These narratives reveal a pattern: humanity struggles with accepting 'the other,' often leading to conflict, oppression, or even violence. Such attitudes contradict the heart of God, who created diversity and calls us to embrace it within the unity of His kingdom.

Addressing Our Present Context:

As we reflect on these stories, we must confront the reality that these issues are not confined to the past; they resonate with our current struggles. Prejudice, discrimination, and division continue to mar relationships and communities, even within the church. By recognizing this persistent problem, we can begin to address it, seeking God's guidance to transform our hearts and our communities.

In the next part of our sermon, we will explore how these ancient struggles mirror our own and how we, as followers of Christ, are called to respond in a manner that reflects God's heart for unity and reconciliation.

The Struggles We Face

Our Contemporary Struggle:

As we transition from the historical context to our present-day reality, it's essential to acknowledge that the struggle with prejudice and lack of compassion for those who are different from us is not just a biblical issue—it's a human issue that persists today. In our churches, communities, and even within our own hearts, we may find an unease, a hesitancy, or even outright resistance when it comes to embracing and loving those who don't look, speak, or think like us.

This struggle can stem from various factors—unfamiliarity, past hurts, societal narratives, or simply the comfort of staying within our own cultural or ethnic groups. Yet, such divisions starkly contrast the unity and love to which God calls us. The challenge before us is not merely to tolerate others but to genuinely seek understanding, compassion, and unity, transcending our differences to recognize our shared identity in Christ.

Jonah's Struggle (Jonah 4):

Jonah's story vividly illustrates the human struggle to extend compassion across cultural and ethnic lines. Called to preach repentance to Nineveh, a great and wicked city, Jonah initially flees, unwilling to be the bearer of God's mercy to a people he despises. Even after witnessing Nineveh's repentance and God's subsequent mercy, Jonah is not relieved or joyful but angry and resentful.

In Chapter 4, Jonah's anger comes to a head. He complains to God, revealing his deep-seated bias: he knew God was a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he didn't want the Ninevites to experience that compassion. Jonah's struggle is not with God's message but with His mercy extended to those Jonah deemed unworthy.

God responds to Jonah with a question that challenges not only him but all of us: "Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?" This divine inquiry invites us to consider our own attitudes toward 'the other'—those we might find difficult to love or accept.

Reflecting on Our Own Struggles:

Jonah's story compels us to confront our own reluctances and prejudices. Like Jonah, we may find it easy to limit the scope of God's love according to our human biases. We might struggle to accept that God's grace and compassion extend beyond our own circles to embrace all humanity.

In our journey toward racial reconciliation, we must ask ourselves hard questions:

• Do we, like Jonah, harbor resentment or indifference toward others' well-being simply because they are different from us?
• Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to engage with, learn from, and embrace those of different racial or cultural backgrounds?
• How do our attitudes align with God's commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their race or ethnicity?

Moving Toward Compassion and Understanding:

True reconciliation requires us to confront these challenges head-on, seeking God's heart for all people and allowing His Spirit to transform our perspectives and actions. It calls us to move beyond mere tolerance to active love and acceptance, breaking down the barriers that divide us.

In the next part of our sermon, we'll explore the biblical principles that guide us in this transformative journey, helping us to reflect God's love and unity in our diverse world.

Biblical Principles for Racial Reconciliation

Equality Before God (Genesis 1:26-27):

Genesis 1:26–27 (ESV) — 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

At the heart of our call to racial reconciliation is the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-27 affirms that every person, regardless of race or ethnicity, bears the divine imprint. This foundational truth establishes our equal value and dignity before God, serving as the bedrock for our interactions and relationships.

Understanding and embracing the words of this text compels us to view each other through God's eyes, recognizing and honoring His image in every individual. It challenges any notion of racial superiority or inferiority, calling us instead to celebrate the diversity within God's creation as a reflection of His infinite creativity and love.

Equal Guilty Before God (Romans 3:23)

Romans 3:23 (ESV) — 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

In Romans, Paul explains the gospel by explaining our failure. Each and every one of us have exchanged God’s truth for a lie and lived to serve the creature rather than the creator. We have sought to fulfill our own passions and ambitions instead of fulfilling our purpose as image bearers of God.

This is why Paul says, “There is none righteous, no not one.” He also says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are supposed to exemplify the glory of God as Christ did, but we sinned and fall short. It doesn’t matter what you look like, we are all wicked and undeserving of his grace. That means we should feel connected with one another on a deeper level because we are all in the same boat, deserving the same degree of punishment and condemnation.

The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19):

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 (ESV) — 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 introduces us to the concept of the ministry of reconciliation, which has been entrusted to us by Christ. This ministry is not limited to reconciling individuals to God but extends to reconciling individuals to each other, breaking down barriers of hostility and division.

As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to embody and promote reconciliation in every aspect of our lives, including addressing racial divisions. This ministry demands that we confront and dismantle prejudices, advocate for justice, and seek to heal wounds of discrimination and separation, all while pointing to the reconciling work of Christ.

The Unity of Believers (Ephesians 2:14-18, Galatians 3:28):

Ephesians 2:14–18 (ESV) — 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

In Ephesians 2:14-18, Paul eloquently describes how Christ has broken down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. This passage powerfully illustrates the unifying effect of Christ's redemptive work, transcending cultural, ethnic, and racial distinctions.

This unity is not merely theoretical but should be tangibly manifested in the church, the body of Christ. As believers from diverse backgrounds come together, they demonstrate the power of the Gospel to unite what was once divided, offering a compelling witness to the world of God's love and peace.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV) — 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Paul mentions this again in Galatians, saying there is no distinction between Jew, Gentile, man woman, Barbarian, Scythian, slave or free. All who are baptized into Christ are one with Christ and one with one another. We all share in the faith and inheritance of our father Abraham.

The Command to Love (John 13:34-35):

John 13:34–35 (ESV) — 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35) lies at the core of our calling as His followers. This love is not selective or conditional but sacrificial and inclusive, crossing all barriers, including those of race and ethnicity.

By loving others in this radical, Christ-like way, we not only fulfill our highest calling as Christians but also actively participate in breaking down walls of division and building bridges of reconciliation and understanding.

How Do We Live Out the Principles?

As we embrace these biblical principles, our challenge is to live them out in our daily lives. Now I would like for us to do a little self-examination. Is our goal to promote healing and peace? the Bible doesn’t call for us to join a group that endorses violence or incites anger. It just means recognizing where things are broken and helping to bring peace

I have lost a friend to the news and divisive efforts of our world. We must seek to know the individual and not believe that the many can be judged by the actions and words of a few. That’s Satan’s deception. Christ calls us to more. How are we supposed to live?

Embodying Humility and Empathy

To live a Christian life free from partiality, we must begin with humility and empathy—striving to understand the experiences, pains, and perspectives of those who differ from us racially and culturally. This understanding is foundational to genuine reconciliation and unity.

“We think we can easily see into the hearts of others based on the flimsiest of clues. We jump at the chance to judge strangers. We would never do that to ourselves, of course. We are nuanced and complex and enigmatic. But the stranger is easy. If I can convince you of one thing in this book, let it be this: Strangers are not easy.” “They do not conform to our expectations. We think we understand them, and then we don't. The same is true of our judgments and decisions. The stranger lying next to us is prone to unpredictable behavior, driven by forces we cannot hope to understand. And so we struggle to fit him into a neat category. We see a little sliver of behavior and draw grand conclusions from it. And those conclusions are wrong as often as they are right.” - Malcolm Gladwell (Talking To Strangers)

The best we can do is engage in Active Listening. Commit to listening deeply to the stories and experiences of individuals from different backgrounds without judgment or defensiveness. This practice helps us to see the world through their eyes and fosters mutual understanding and respect. Perhaps someone has been biased against you or even hateful toward you. Why? What prompted them to do that? Is that really who they are?

We can also Educate Ourselves: Proactively seek knowledge about the history, struggles, and contributions of different ethnic groups, especially those we are less familiar with. This education can challenge and dismantle stereotypes and prejudices.

We will never understand or know what is in the mind or heart of a person, but we will do well to open up and be vulnerable. Society operates on the basis of trust. Without trust, we have no hope of civilization and we will never reach the lost. Being willing to share your own experiences and struggles with someone who seems different from you can lead to greater transparency, unity, and healing within the community.

Prayer and Dependence on God:

If we love others as Christ has loved us, we would pray for one another. Engage in regular prayer for reconciliation, both individually and corporately, asking God to heal divisions and transform hearts. We know that God understands these issues better than we do, and that he can provide a solution that we would never imagine.

We must depend on God's strength and wisdom as we pursue reconciliation, recognizing that we cannot bring about change in our own power. If we are biased and proud, we need God’s help. If we are suffering from the ignorance or arrogance of others, we need God’s help. If someone we love is going through something like this (on either side of the coin) they need our prayers.

Building Inclusive Communities: Eradicating Harmful Traditions

To ensure that harmful traditions of partiality are eradicated, we must intentionally cultivate inclusive communities that celebrate diversity:

• Evaluate Church Practices: Regularly review church practices, ministries, and leadership structures to ensure they are inclusive and reflective of the community's diversity.
• Celebrate Diversity: Create opportunities within the church to celebrate different cultural heritages, encouraging members to share their traditions, stories, and experiences.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve diverse voices in decision-making processes within the church to ensure that a broad range of perspectives is considered, fostering a sense of belonging and equity.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Church

As believers transformed by Christ, our daily lives should reflect our new identity, characterized by love and unity. Ground your identity in Christ above all else, allowing this foundation to shape how you interact with others, transcending cultural divisions. As we strive to live out these principles, let us envision a church where every individual is valued, heard, and included—a community that truly reflects the unity and diversity of God's kingdom. By embodying a life free from partiality, we offer a compelling witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel, inviting others into this beautiful vision of unity and love.