People get excited (for good reason) when you start talking about race. Or referring to “a people” or “a nation.” That’s because fear and greed have inspired people do horrible things to maintain the power, status, and comfort they have.
One easy way to do that is oppression and suppression. And the easiest way to oppress and suppress the largest number of potential usurpers is to create categories for them, to create a “they” for my “we.”
There are many ways to categorize people for oppression, and race has been one of the most successful methods in America. We humans are really good at being divisive and coming up with creative ways to hate people.
Today’s verse turns all this on its head. It uses the same language of elitism and bigotry, but instead, everyone from every category is welcome to be part of the “chosen race.” How refreshing!
God made a new category, a new people. It transcends the things we usually use to divide — skin color, language, economic class, gender, religious background…
The one and only requirement to be in this elite group of God’s people is to accept His gift of salvation through Jesus.
The beautiful thing about this new people of God is that we are different from all other categories of people: We don’t decide who’s in or out; God does that. There should be no oppression or judgment or fear of “outsiders” because there is plenty of God’s love and mercy to go around. There is no limit to its membership. My only job as a member is to help recruit new members by loving them and talking about how wonderful God is.
Dear God,
I’m so glad that in your kingdom, there are no divisions by anything other than one’s acceptance of your gift of salvation. Forgive me for thinking I’m better than anyone else based on any of the categories my culture espouses. I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness the same as everyone on earth. Thank you for your mercy and for allowing me to be one of your chosen people.
CamDevo 