Dissolving racism

Being ignored leads to frustration.  I am sure that many of us have been ignored.  Whether it was in a line-up at a store, in a restaurant, with a boss or co-worker, or even at home; being ignored is a very frustrating experience.

Oftentimes when people are ignored long enough, they will act.  

This past week we witnessed many players and teams across the world of sports act in unity by not playing their respected NBA or MLB games.  This was done in order to bring attention to the ongoing racism, violence and segregation that exists within the fallen systems and nations of this world.  In particular, the United States.  

Jacob Blake was another victim of violence. Jacob was shot seven times in the back while being taken into custody by two police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The scene was captured and went viral this past week. This lakeshore town of 100,000 is now front and centre in the ongoing monumental problem known as racism.

Racism is defined as prejudice or discrimination towards a person or people on the basis of their particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.  It is a belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities or qualities that distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.  Racism elevates, divides, tears down and diminishes people based on their appearance.  It is contrary to God and His Kingdom.  

Simply put, racism is a societal evil. 

Here’s the point.  Only in God can racism be dissolved and ultimately end.  

I love John’s vision of heaven.  It continues to astound and amaze me every time I read it.  What I appreciate most about it is that God Himself is going to live with us again.  

I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.” (Rev. 21:3-5 MSG)

Can you almost see, hear, taste, touch and smell what heaven is going to be like? I can. Simply said, it is going to be a divine experience where all of the robbers of life are gone … racism included.

For the first time since Eden, humanity will be perfectly reunited with our loving Creator who made us and gave us life. In this lasting embrace, God dissolves everything that stands in opposition to His Kingdom life. In God death dies. Humanity and creation are finally set free from deaths sting, curse and destruction forever. Everything is going to be made new.

But what are we to do in the meantime? To phrase it simply: look to Jesus.

If you think that Christianity is the answer for the worlds problems … you’re wrong.  If you think that a godly government or Christian leader is the answer for the world problems … you are also wrong.  

Karl Barth is a highly regarded Christian theologian.  He was once asked this question by a student: “Sir, don’t you think that God has revealed himself in other religions and not only Christianity?” 

Barth replied, “No, God has not revealed himself is any religion, including Christianity … God has only revealed himself in His Son.”

Jesus is the only perfect icon of God.  Only in Him do we truly see, hear, observe and witness God in the flesh.  The NT affirms that in Jesus we find God.  

The NT writers illustrate that Jesus’ example and lifestyle of self-sacrificial love defies societies racism and stands against the endless acts of violence that plague our world.  Remember, Jesus is not like Caesar.  Jesus does not act like any other earthly ruler known to us.  His lifestyle is love and He models self-sacrifice.  

Today, may we model the same sacrificial love of Jesus. 

Today, may we live out Christ’s model of loving ones enemies and blessing those who hate us. 

Today, may we continue focusing on and fighting for the marginalized, persecuted and discriminated among us. 

Today, may we find ways to express God’s compassion locally to those in minority.  

Today, may we choose to love.  

Perhaps then racism can begin to be dissolved.    

Maranatha!

P.S. Shortly after posting this, the NHL made an announcement that games are also to be postponed in symbolic protest. #historyinrealtime