The first Pentecost after Jesus rose from the grave (Acts 2:1-21) was when the fulfillment of an age-old prophecy was initiated. It was the prophet Joel who proclaimed (Joel 2:28-32a) the outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh - men, women, young, old, all races, all nations, ALL people. It reaffirmed God's design for humanity, that we are a representation of God's diverse creativity. He has many colors in his palette and He is not afraid to use them. The outpouring continues today and beyond.
On Sunday May 31st, 2020, we celebrated Pentecost all over the world. However, in the USA, our celebrations were overshadowed by riots in opposition to racism, particularly addressing a largely white police force treating black people with default aggression. Is this behavior proliferated across the police force? Probably not. Is it happening more than what is reported? Most likely.
As I mulled over all the happenings, being careful to call out the unwarranted belief (which causes the behavior) without making blanket statements, I was reminded of a prophetic word God gave me in March 2020 that I had been praying through. This word is for Christ-followers in particular and I felt released to share it publicly. Here it is:
Long has the power of hatred and fear caused divisions among My creation. What I have created as a beautiful expression of diversity and celebration, the enemy has twisted into an institution of death. But enough is enough. I am exposing the evil of racism which is rooted in the spirit of fear and the spirit of pride. I am cutting the vein to drain out the poison. It will hurt, and it will be messy - but the results are going to be glorious!
The process has begun in several areas of My church and is gaining momentum. No longer will this evil be swept under the rug. This is not something just between light skins and dark skins - but it is deeper. It’s the fear of man that has rooted itself in various cultures. Racism, tribalism, casteism, and bigotry based on how you look or where you come from.
My church will shine bright, a city on a hill showing the way to the world - this is how it’s done. And this is why it’s done. When you prefer or deny someone because of their skin color or national background, you are defying my sovereignty. No one has a choice of what skin they are born into - it is My gift to each one of you. Your skin, your heritage - is a gift to celebrate.
When you think you are more important than others because of your skin color, you are standing against my sovereign judgement and you will be brought down to size. When you think you are less important than others because of your skin color, you are negating my blessings for you and you will live in unreasonable fear.
Wake up! You are no better than others and you are no worse. You are loved before you were even born. Seek My kingdom first and my righteousness. Learn from me - I will show you the beauty and diversity of my creation.
I will change your consternation into celebration - your bigotry into blessing - your fallacy into favor - and your fear into love.
Forgiveness will flow, relationships will be restored, and reparations will be made - but not in the way the world thinks. Racism is blocking the blessings I have in store for the nations. As the strongholds break, you will see greater measures of grace, mercy, creativity and abundance.
Make it so, LORD!
Here are some practical things we can do:
Repent of our own racism towards others - no matter the color of our skin
Extend forgiveness to people who have been racist towards you
Extend forgiveness to institutions (churches, work places, communities) that have been racist towards you
As Christ-followers, lets choose our words and actions carefully. Do speak out against injustice, and back it up with the right action. Remember to address the root cause and not get caught up in the wave of media opinions. Highlighting the problem is important, but are you part of the solution?
Examine your life and ask why you don’t have any friends that are of a different skin color than you or aren't part of your ethnic group. Sometimes language can be a barrier, and its easy to stay within your cloister. But be open to who the Lord brings your way. Don’t seek them just to check it off your list. Are you willing to be a friend to others before you expect them to return your friendship?
Finally, correct and educate friends & family within your ethnic group that are overtly or benignly racist (more about this in future blogs). Yes, they're out there - and YOU can be the one who brings God's reconciliation into their life.
There are several layers to this topic, and I will address them in future blogs. Until then, stay dangerously close to God's love. Only through the transforming grace of Christ can we eradicate racism and other 'isms' that seek to divide us. Shalom!!
His,
~Sumit
PS: Please feel free to comment in a respectful and kind manner. Its totally OK to disagree and we can certainly converse offline. I'm but a student sojourner with you.
“ What I have created as a beautiful expression of diversity and celebration, the enemy has twisted into an institution of death.”
This is So true about every aspect of our world. Every single thing the God created is good and the adversary warps it into cheaper, lesser or downright evil alternatives. Jesus has started to and will one day boot out evil all together, longing for that.