Jews and Gentiles Chapter 1 Epilogue; The Purpose and Plan of the Good News
Chapter One
Epilogue
The Purpose and Plan of the Good News
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9-10
My search to find the answers to the hypothetical questions found in chapter three, led me to open roads and hidden closets that I had not anticipated. In my quest to find the truth, I “ran” into answers not only dealing with the Israel/Palestinian question but also answers regarding race as it pertains to Biblical prophesy.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32.
Thomas said unto him, Lord we know not where you go; and how can we know the way? Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. John 14:5-6
In his search to find truth, man often determines his “truth” by what he calls “scientific facts” that rely on human interpretation. Human interpretation is subject to flaws in the sense that finite man’s “facts” change depending on the times, seasons, societal beliefs, world views, and observable experience. The infinite God is absolute truth and therefore truth does not change. Jesus declared Himself to be the personification of truth, and therefore equal with God.
Jesus went further by saying, “If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know Him, and have seen Him. Philip said unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it will satisfy us. Jesus said unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father…John 14:7-9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
I am in agreement with the author, Pensacola Helene, (2008) who stated, “I believe nature/humanity does provide useful sources of data that gives us a distinct body of science that is notably beneficial to mankind in many ways and helps us understand the power and divine nature of God, but it is not equal to the authority of Scripture. Though human interpretation of scripture can be flawed, the presentation of the scientific facts fallible, and nature is fallen and imperfect, God’s Word is not.” I critiqued and based my final conclusions on the infallible Word of God.
Several passages in the Bible keep standing out to me: One has to do with the Ethiopian Eunuch who was converted to Christianity by Philip, another is Cornelius of the Italian Cohort. I compared Philip’s reaction to the Ethiopian (who was obviously a Jew before running into Philip) to Peter’s reaction to Cornelius the Italian. [It is also obvious from this scripture that Ethiopians were Jews long before the current Israeli occupants and therefore, need no validation from the present white Israeli Jews to substantiate their claim of being Jewish.]
Acts 8:26-39
But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south (around mid-day) to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, who was in charge of all her finances and had come to worship in Jerusalem was on the way back and was sitting in his chariot reading the book of the Prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” And Philip ran up, heard him read the Prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He said, “How could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to climb in and be seated with him.
Now the scripture passage he was reading was this: “As a lamb He was led to slaughter and as a sheep voiceless before his shearer, so He does not open His mouth. In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can tell the story of His offspring? For His life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch turned to Philip and said, “I beg of you, about whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip began to speak and starting from that same Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.
Proceeding on the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “See, here is water, What is to prevent my being baptized?” [Philip assured him, “If you heartily believe, it is permitted.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] So he ordered the chariot to halt, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and he baptized him. But when they came up from the water, the Lord’s Spirit took Philip away and the eunuch did not see him any more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
The Ethiopian had the scrolls with him which means that he must have gotten them from his own country before he arrived in Jerusalem. I also noticed that Philip had no issue with his being Ethiopian (or black as Americans seem to narrowly view people as “black or white.”) This passage occurs before the account of Peter’s visit to the house of Cornelius; therefore, the conversion of the Ethiopian may have occurred many years prior to the conversion of Cornelius.
However, in Acts chapter 10; Peter’s reaction to Cornelius, of the “Italian” band was entirely different:
Acts 10
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God. About three in the afternoon, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God entering his house and saying to him, “Cornelius.” Gazing intently at him, he said in fear, “What is it Lord?” He replied, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as worthy (as a memorial) to be remembered before God. Now then, send men to Joppa and have them call for Simon, who is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner whose home is by the sea.”
As soon as the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier who belonged to his personal attendants, explained everything to them, and dispatched them to Joppa. The next day, while they were on their journey and approaching the town, Peter went up on the roof about noontime to pray. However, he grew hungry and wanted to eat. But while they were preparing a meal, a trance came over him. He saw heaven opened and something coming down like a wide sheet let down to earth by the four corners. In it were all sorts of four-footed beasts and reptiles and birds. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” But Peter said, “No, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” “What God has purified you must not consider unclean.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up into heaven.
While Peter was inwardly puzzled about what the vision might mean, then and there the messengers of Cornelius, who had inquired for Simon’s house, stood at the gate, calling out to inquire whether Simon, called Peter was a guest there. And as Peter was still pondering over the vision, the Spirit said to him, “There are three men looking for you. Rise and go downstairs and go with them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” So Peter went down and said to the men, “I am the one you are looking for. Why are you here?” They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, and to hear what you have to say.” So he called them in to be his guests.
The next day he rose and went off with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his kinsmen and close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” Conversing with him, he went in and found a large gathering to whom he said, “You are aware how a Jew is not allowed to associate with or to visit one of another race (nation); You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this, but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean (that I should never think of anyone as inferior).
Peter went to Cornelius’ house only after he had been prompted by God to do so. His comment to Cornelius (who was obviously European or white as we categorize people today) was that it was not lawful for a Jew to even associate with one of another race or nation, let alone enter into his house. Therefore, my conclusion is that Peter and the other Jews of the time were not “European.” At that time most of the Jews (Hebrews) preached the Gospel to no one except other Jews (Hebrews).
Acts 11
The Apostles and the brothers who lived in Judea heard that the Gentiles had welcomed God’s message; so when Peter came up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” But Peter began and explained to them in order:…When they heard this they were silenced. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life.” Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
There are several reasons for citing the before mentioned scriptures: First, these scriptures confirm the true identity of the Jews (Hebrews) during that time in history as well as the identity of those who were considered Gentiles.
To those, particularly white Christians, who have for so many years embraced the false notion of white superiority, whether willingly or as an institution, I point out that the white race was not highly esteemed in the beginnings of Christianity, neither was the white race looked upon as a “civilized” people, especially the Greeks. To black Christians, who have also embraced the notion of white superiority, first subtly and now as an institution, you were not and never have been an afterthought in the sight of God.
The New Testament scriptures clearly show the reaction of the Hebrews to the Ethiopian Eunuch compared to the Hebrew reaction to the Italian Centurion. The New Testament also shows the reaction of Jesus to the Greek woman as well as the reaction to those of mixed race such as the Samaritans. There are other scriptural passages which show the reaction of the Jews (Hebrews) when they thought Paul brought an Ephesian (a gentile) into the temple. Some believe the reference to Trophimus pertains to Timothy, who was of a mixed race. In spite of all of the scriptural passages, found both in the Old and New Testaments, I still find it amazing that there are as many, if not more black Americans who reply, “What difference does color make?” My response; “It makes a huge difference!”
If you see yourself as an afterthought in the eyesight of God, then you will continue to see yourself and your particular group as second or “less than” in comparison to others; you will also continue to look to others for handouts. As Jesus said, “It is better to give than to receive.” One interpretation of this scripture is, “It is better to be in the position to give than in the position to have to receive.” When one group sees themselves as second class citizens, who has to look up to another group as their source, then they automatically see the other group as superior, almost as a parent. On the other hand, when you see yourself as having to hand out and give special privileges to another group, (notice, I did not say as “considering it a blessing” to give to others), you begin to have the false assumption that you are indeed dominant or superior, and you must give to this “less fortunate” or inferior group. God is the only One who is actually in control and who is indeed superior. Until each group realizes that they each have something to bring to the table, only then can you look across the table and look each other in the eye as equals.
Secondly, I cited the aforementioned scriptures to explain what I called the “leveling ground.” What exactly do I mean by “leveling ground?”
As I mention in Chapter Three; If, by regaining a true knowledge of history, blacks, especially black Americans, gain racial pride, self-esteem, a love of self, and a desire to cooperate with each other; this would be the first step toward the empowering and redevelopment of the African-American community. Everyone should know the truth about their own contribution to history. What difference does color make? What difference does the color of the original Hebrews matter? Let me tell you a story from my own experience:
I taught elementary school in a low income inner city public school where white and minority students were bussed in from the suburbs. This particular school was located right in the heart of a low income black community. This was a “Magnet” school and had a separate Montessori program alongside the regular public school. As an incentive, the school would receive computers for the public school section of the campus. If you can recall the movie, “House Party,” this school was strikingly similar to the school depicted in the movie. There were two entirely separate but unequal sections. The Montessori side of the campus was given new desks and supplies while the public school section was struggling by using old materials and equipment with the exception of the new computers in the library. White students were also bussed in to attend the Montessori school. [However, this issue calls for an entirely different chapter (or book) and is not the point I am trying to make.]
Back to my original point, I was reading to my class, who happened to be all black students, stories from Black Folktales. Contained within this book were also illustrations which depicted the artists’ and authors’ concept of man, animals, and God. One of the illustrations was a depiction of God sitting on His throne, and God happened to be black. I must remind you that I taught elementary school, from pre-K to grade 5. The students were all engrossed and fascinated by the stories as I read of the conquests of characters such as Jack, and Stagolee. But what happened next proved to be much more of an amazement and revelation to me than the childhood amazement that the students exhibited. As I began reading, I paused between chapters to show the students the artists’ depictions of God. As the book passed from child to child, I heard gasp after gasp, “ooh,” “look ya’ll,…” “ooh,…I didn’t know God was black!”
By the time these black children entered school, they had already been “programmed” to believe that God was white. This idea had been passed down to them, not by white people as much as by their own black parents and community. Through pictures on the wall, church fans, murals, and so forth. [Mind you, I did not tell them that God was black. I did not tell them that God was white. Neither did I deny or respond to their statement, “ooh,…I didn’t know God was black!” by saying, “Well children, God can be black or white or whatever color you want Him to be.” I’m certain no one ever corrected them or told them any difference when they were surrounded by pictures of Jesus being white with blond hair and blue eyes.] Following this “revelation” that God was not white but black, I had them draw their depiction of the story I had just read to them. I did not specify which part of the story to draw. But again, to my amazement, with the exception of a few students, the part that they found most intriguing was the concept of God…being black. Their drawings all of a sudden were drawings of God sitting on His throne…black. Why is it important to tell this story?
Until a group realizes that they are not an “afterthought” in the sight of God, others will always be able to tell them, “and God loves you too…” Again, “If, by regaining a true knowledge of history, blacks, especially black Americans, gain racial pride, self-esteem, a love of self, and a desire to cooperate with each other; this would be the first step toward the empowering and redevelopment of the African-American community.” Everyone should know the truth about their own contribution to history. I ask you again, “What difference does color make?”
The Apostle Paul
Acts 21; After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed; they are all zealous for the law (they all remain zealous for the Law). And they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs.
What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you but that you yourself live in observance of the law…Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself with them and went into the temple, to give notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for every one of them.
When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, who had seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place; moreover he also brought Greeks into the temple, and he has defiled this holy place.” [Notice that it was considered a defilement to bring “Greeks” (gentiles) into the temple.] For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple….As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.”
[Acts 21:37-39, states that the Apostle Paul was being led into a castle by a chief captain. Paul spoke to the chief in Greek, asking permission to speak with him. The chief captain was shocked to learn that Paul spoke Greek and asked Paul, “are not you that Egyptian?” to which Paul responded, “I am a Jew (Hebrew).”
In order for the chief captain to mistake Paul, a Hebrew, for a black-skinned Egyptian, Paul had to look like an Egyptian, which, as scripture shows, was the case with the whole nation of Israel. Paul had to inform the chief captain he was an Israelite, so once again it is clear from the scriptures that it was hard to physically identify a Hebrew from an Egyptian. If race is “not important,” why then do all of the pictorial conceptions of Paul depict him as being white? Undoubtedly, white and black Bible scholars know this fact. Why then do they allow this misconception to continue? Most of the major doctrines of the Christian Church are based on the writings of Paul. Is there still unbelief that a black man could write such teachings? Would these same black and white Bible scholars and white (and black) Christians suddenly denounce the validity of the Christian faith if they knew that Paul was black?]
And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying: “Brethren and fathers, hear the defense which I now make before you.” And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet. And he said: “I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamali-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day.
Acts 23:6; But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee…
When I mentioned these scriptures to a white individual there was resistance even though the person considers herself a “historian” or at least a student of world history. Why is there so much resistance to accept even the possibility that the ancient Jews may have been black? Not brown, not white, but black. She could accept the possibility that maybe Paul could have been brown, but black, no way. Her argument was that the Greeks occupied Egypt centuries before the New Testament, so Paul was possibly part Greek and the Egyptians were probably not black skinned by then. This was her reasoning behind the fact that Paul knew the Greek language. But Paul himself denied this claim when he said, “I am a Jew,” and he later gave his lineage, not as being “part
Greek.”
[Even in America, to say that whites have occupied America for centuries, therefore, all Native Americans are now white and no longer brown and black skinned is just as ludicrous as her statement.]
In history, as in law, a first hand source is always deemed more reliable than a second hand source. The Ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who visited Egypt in the 5th century B.C.E., saw the Egyptians face to face and described them as black-skinned with woolly hair. Pictures of the ancient Israelites during the Roman period support this.
I mentioned that Paul was also a Roman citizen.” Her response was (at this point I realized that she didn’t know the scriptures), “Paul must have purchased his Roman citizenship.” I find it interesting that this was the same response that Paul received from the Romans:
Acts 22:24; The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the barracks and to be examined by means of flogging, so they might discover why they shouted at him that way. But when they had tied him up to be flogged, Paul asked the captain in charge, “Is it legal to flog a Roman citizen without trial?” On hearing that, the captain went to the commander and reported to him, with the remark, “What is to be done, for this man is a Roman?” The commander then went to him and asked him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” The commander replied, “I have purchased this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul responded, “But I was actually born a citizen.” Then at once those who were to examine him kept their hands off, and the commander was afraid, on discovering that Paul was a Roman, because he had bound him.
[If a person is born in America, they are considered American citizens not matter the race or ethnic origin.] As for Paul being part Hebrew and Greek, he never says this in scripture. He actually states that he is from the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1; I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. In 2 Cor 11:22; Paul says: “But in whatever line someone may boast…I dare to match him. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s offspring? So am I.
Gal 2:15; We ourselves, now are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, yet who know that a man is not justified (reckoned righteous) by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified.
Another example is seen in the story of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, who were told to flee into Africa, not for military protection since at that time Egypt was a Roman province under Roman control, but because Egypt was still a black country populated by black people. So Joseph, Mary and Jesus would have been just another black-skinned family among other black skinned people, seeing that they had fled to Egypt for the purpose of hiding from Herod who was seeking to kill Jesus. If Jesus and the rest of the Hebrews looked like those pictures of the western versions of the Christ, which portray Him as a person with long hair, white skin, blond with blue eyes, it would have been difficult for Him and His family to hide among black Egyptians without being spotted. But since both the Hebrews and the Egyptians were black, it would have been difficult to recognize a Hebrew family among the black Egyptians.
[Again, if color and race is not important, why is it so difficult for white clergy, (and even many black clergy to admit or even “worse” to SAY that Jesus was indeed black. In one Bible study, a white clergyman stated to his students the fact that Jesus was of a “dark color,” not white. Why was it so difficult just to say that Jesus was black? If someone were to give a positive ID of Jesus in America, they would most likely describe Him as a “black male,” etc.]
For more confirmation regarding the color of the ancient Israelites, read Acts 13:1 which says, “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen.”
In Greek and Latin the word Niger means black (skinned) and it is still used today when referring to Negroes and Moors. [This is one of the reasons that I do not become offended when whites use the so called “N-word.” I believe the use of the word “nigger” is simply an example of ignorant, illiterate whites who did not know the pronunciation of the word, “Niger.” Because of their mispronunciation, they simply added too many “g’s” thus the word, “nigger” rather than “Niger.” Therefore if I hear a white person attempting to degrade blacks by using this word, I simply respond, “If you’re going to use the word, pronounce it correctly, the word is “Niger” not “nigger.”]
Cyrene is a city in Libya, North Africa, and historians and scholars both agree that Cyrene was a black area heavily populated by black-skinned people during Biblical times. Cyrene is also the place where Simon, the black man who helped Jesus carry His cross came. (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26).
Bear in mind that the Hebrews were not dealing with any other people or racial group at that time, other than scattered Israel. Acts 11:19 says, “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews (Hebrews) only.”
This was before the Apostles’ ministry to the Gentiles began at large. These Hebrews (Jews) were black men just like Paul, who was also there with them in the church in Antioch. Simeon the Niger and Lucius were prophets and teachers, therefore, the earliest prophets and teachers in the Church were black. Based on the evidence presented, it should be clear that Jesus’ disciples, relatives, prophets, teachers, and associates like Mary of Magdalene were all what we would consider today as “black.”
Has God abandoned His people? Has God forsaken His people? According to scripture, He has not. You can read in the upcoming chapters the true identity of the original Hebrews as well as through scripture the identity of the Gentiles. Now, I would like you to take a look at the following scriptures. I cite these particular scriptures to show you just how important God’s chosen people are in His eyesight and to bring out my second point called the “leveling ground.”
Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. [Evidently Egypt, Ethiopia and Seba were (are) highly prized.] Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you; therefore I will give men in your place and nations in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.
Joel 2:12-14
Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?
Joel 2:18-20
Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
Joel 2:25-32
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. It shall come to pass after this that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions, Even upon the servants and the maids I will, in those days, pour out of My Spirit. And I will give signs in the heavens and upon the earth, blood and fire, and columns of smoke. The sun shall be changed into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the day of the Lord, dark and terrible; but every one who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said. And those who are saved will be those whom the Lord has called.
Joel 3:1-3
For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I shall gather all the nations and bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; I shall there enter into judgment with them on account of My people and My heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. My land they have divided up, and for My people they have cast lots; they have given a boy for a harlot, and have sold a maiden for wine and have drunk it.
Joel 3:6-9
The children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem you have sold to the Javanites (Greeks), that you might remove them far from their own borders. But listen! I am going to remove them from the place whither you have sold them, and I shall return your retribution upon your own heads. I will sell your sons and you daughters into the hands of the sons of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away; for the Lord has spoken. Proclaim this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up…
Joel 3:20-21
But Judah shall be inhabited forever and Jerusalem from generation to generation, and I will avenge their blood; I will not leave it unrequited. I am the Lord, dwelling in Zion.
Paul affirmed the aforementioned scriptures. He also makes mention of what I call the “leveling ground” in his letter to the Romans:
Romans 11
I ask then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Does this mean that God has rejected his Jewish people forever? Of course not! His purpose was to make his salvation available to the Gentiles, and then the Jews would be jealous and begin to want God’s salvation for themselves. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! … But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in and are sharing the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches, and if you do boast remember that you are not supporting the root; instead, the root supports you.
You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only through faith, so do not become proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off. And even the others, if they do not persist in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.
Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in, and so all Israel will be saved…As regards the gospel, so far as the good news is concerned, they are enemies for your sakes; but so far as election is concerned, they are beloved because of the fathers. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For God’s gifts of grace and His calling are irrevocable. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
What does all of this have to do with the true identity of the Hebrews? What does all of this have to do with the leveling ground? God has let us know that He has not forsaken His people, the Hebrews. “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in and are sharing the rich root of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches, and if you do boast remember that you are not supporting the root; instead, the root supports you. The root supports you. Black people and people of color are not an afterthought in the sight of God. In fact, Gentiles (whites) have no reason to boast and claim themselves superior to any other race. They were the ones who were grafted into the “rich root of the olive tree.” God has opened up salvation to the Gentiles for a season, a time. He has also designated this time in history as the “Age” or “time of the Gentiles.” This is just a season, a time. A season comes and goes, which means that the season of the Gentiles will come to an end. Then God will restore His chosen people the Jews (Hebrews) once again. Therefore, God is in control. Times, seasons and kingdoms are determined by the eternal and sovereign authority of God alone. No man can boast in himself. Therefore, let no man boast, except in the Lord.
In his book, “The Post-American World,” Fareed Zakaria points out that the facial makeup of the modern world as we know it is rapidly changing. Cultural centers are now scattered across the globe. The world’s richest man is from Mexico. The most prolific movie industry is in India. And other countries like China are now challenging America’s influence as a superpower. Unbeknownst to him, is Zakaria merely confirming the accuracy of prophetic scripture regarding the age of the Gentiles coming to an end? How do these things apply to the Christian?
The Good News?
In this current age where “political correctness;” “inclusion,” “tolerance,” and so called “diversity” are the catch phrases of the day. [And that is exactly what they are, “catch phrases.”] Even though these are popular terms, racial division and ethnic strife are on the increase as never before, particularly in America. And the Christian Church in America remains divided by race, in fact it is more segregated than the secular world. The topic of race remains the “unspeakable” topic within the walls of churches in America. The white churches are on one side of the tracks and the black churches are on the other side of the tracks. At least the Hispanic, Asian, and African churches in America have the excuse of language as a barrier, but what is the excuse for the lack of racial diversity within the white and black churches in America? Even the mere terms, “white and black” churches should be unheard of.
Among white churches where they claim to reach out to “other groups” such as Hispanics or Africans, their attempts are only hypocritical at best. They have “separate but equal” Hispanic services, separate but equal African services and so on. By this I mean, they claim to reach out to the Hispanic Christian community by offering them the use of their sanctuary. The Hispanics meet following the “general” service or on a separate day other than the main service, therefore, those in the main service still do not have to sit next to someone of a different race. Neither is there a plan for eventually combining the two services into one unified service. If they have a ministry to “the Africans,” they support this “missionary effort” by sending one or two of their “missionaries” to Africa and giving their “financial support.” Again, they are not really required to love a black person or even sit next to a black person.
The African American churches are none the better. Many do not even open their doors to those of other races or ethnic groups, not even to offer them the use of their sanctuaries. And most do not have programs to aggressively reach those of other races or ethnic groups. In fact, many of the “elders” are still afraid that if they open their doors to whites, the whites will eventually take over their churches. Many are steeped so deeply in tradition that the mere thought of sacrificing any of their traditional practices is all but unheard of. Jesus spoke of the Pharisees elevating the traditions of men above the commandment of God to love one another.
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the traditions of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7:6-8.
Am I saying that many of the rich African American traditions should be forgotten? No. I believe that each racial and ethnic group has a unique heritage to share with the world. God has given each group unique and varied gifts to bring to the table and to contribute to the “whole.” We are all members of a body and in the Church, we are all members of the Body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
I believe each group must in fact know their individual worth and value so that they will feel that they indeed have something to contribute to the whole. Community and traditions are extremely important in this regard. But Jesus was referring to holding on to the “traditions of men” in disregard for the commandments of God, the most important being to love one another. Unfortunately, many African American churches in their effort to become “independent” have taken on the same racist façade as their white counterparts, that of exclusion and not welcoming all peoples into their particular church or group.
Paul mentioned similar problems in the area of racial prejudice and hypocrisy in his letter to the Galatians:
Galatians 2:11-16
But when Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his face, because he was at fault; for until certain people arrived from James, he ate with the Gentile converts, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself for fear of the circumcision party. So the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. [Why was Barnabas and James mentioned? Because they were also Jews (Hebrews).]
But when I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the good news, I said to Peter in everyone’s presence, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you require Gentiles to live like Jews?” “Though you are a Jew by birth, you have long since discarded the Jewish laws; so why, all of a sudden, are you trying to make these Gentiles obey them?” We ourselves, [we ourselves] who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, we know that a person is not made righteous through the works of the Law but only through faith in Christ Jesus, we have believed in Christ Jesus in order that we might be made righteous by faith in Christ and not through works of the Law; for by works of the Law no person will be justified…
In this current age of American “political correctness,” Americans somehow have the impression that they coined the term “diversity.” However, the book of Acts and the New Testament spoke of diversity before “diversity” was the “in thing.” Therefore, God is the One who created diversity, not man. This was the plan of God in Christianity through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Paul called it “the mystery” and “the truth of the good news.”
The Truth of the Good News!
Ephesians 3:1-11
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [notice that Paul referred to the Ephesians as “Gentiles” and keep in mind how the word was used during Paul’s day] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me toward you: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Because of this I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles – you surely heard how the administration of divine grace to you was granted me, how by revelation the secret was made known to me, as I wrote you briefly before. A perusal of it will enable you to understand my insight into the secret of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as now it is revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets, that the Gentiles are joint inheritors, share the same body, and are participants of the promise in Christ Jesus through the good news, of which I was made a minister by virtue of the gift of divine grace that was granted me in agreement with the working of His power. On me, the least of all saints, was this grace bestowed to preach to the Gentiles the fathomless wealth of Christ, and to bring to light what arrangement was contained in the secret, that had through the ages been hidden with God, the Creator of all.]
How then can we justify the racial division that is so prevalent in the Church in America?
God: The Author of Diversity?
Genesis 11:1-2; 4-9
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there… And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
Mankind, in his limited knowledge and pride took it upon himself to become like God, to make a name for himself through his own WORKS. Therefore, God took it upon Himself to scatter mankind upon the face of the earth, not through the means of race or color, but by “confounding” the language. [Notice that this all took place in Shinar, in Africa.] But God did not say that He separated the nations abroad by means of changing their color or race, but through language. God is not in support of the evil act of racism, just as He is not in support of man attempting to exalt himself as God’s equal. Only God is supreme. Therefore, no man can boast. Each race has its perfect place in the perfect will and plan of God. Therefore, is God actually advocating diversity or unity?
God: The Author of Unity
Acts 2:1; 4-12; 21
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (Hebrews) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?…And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Once again, God used language, but this time to restore man to his prior status of ONENESS, through His Son, Jesus the Christ. The Good News of the Gospel says that there is neither male nor female, bond or free, Jew nor Gentile, but we are all one in Christ Jesus. Therefore, does God desire diversity or unity? Indeed, God created a diverse creation but it is only through Him that mankind can walk in unity.
The Gospel!
Galatians 2:18-21
Indeed, if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor; we are sinners if we start rebuilding the old systems I have been destroying, of trying to be saved by keeping Jewish laws. For through the Law I died to the Law in order that I may live to God; I have been crucified with Christ; I no longer live as I myself, but Christ lives within me; the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness were through Law, then Christ died to no purpose. For if righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 3:10
Those who depend on the works of the Law live under the curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all that is written in the book of the Law as to do it.”
[Deuteronomy 28:15
But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
Deuteronomy 27:26
Cursed be he who does not confirm the words of this Law by doing them.
Leviticus 18:5
You shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them (not by faith). You must obey only my laws, and you must carry them out in detail, for I am the Lord your God.]
The Good News!
Galatians 3:13-14; 26-29
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female. For ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Seeing that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us and has clothed us with His righteousness, (we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus) we are now heirs according to the promise and entitled to these blessings:
THE BLESSINGS
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
The Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will overtake you and rest upon you:
- BLESSINGS IN THE CITY
Blessed shall you be in the city
- BLESSINGS IN THE FIELD
Blessed shall you be in the field
- MANY CHILDREN
Blessed shall be the fruit of you body
- AMPLE CROPS
Blessed shall be the fruit of your soil
- LARGE FLOCKS AND HERDS
Blessed also shall be the fruit of you livestock, the increase of you herds, and the young of your flocks
- BLESSINGS OF FRUIT AND BREAD
Blessed shall be your baskets and your kneading trough
- BLESSINGS WHEN YOU COME IN
Blessed shall you be when you come in
- BLESSINGS WHEN YOU GO OUT
Blessed shall you be when you go out
- VICTORY OVER ENEMIES
The Lord will surrender your enemies who rise up against you to be smitten before you; one way they shall come out against you, and seven ways they shall flee before you
- GOD’S FAVOR IN ALL THAT YOU UNDERTAKE
The Lord will command His blessing upon you in your barns, and in ALL that you undertake; and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
- GOD WILL SET YOU APART AND ESTABLISH YOU UNTO HIMSELF
The Lord will establish you as a people holy to Himself, as He has sworn to you.
- ALL PEOPLES WILL SEE THAT YOU ARE A BLESSED PEOPLE AND WILL STAND IN AWE AND FEAR OF YOU
And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord; and they will stand in awe and shall be afraid of you.
- YOU SHALL BE PROSPEROUS
And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of you cattle, and in the fruit of your ground, within the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.
- GOD WILL OPEN THE TREASURES OF HEAVEN IN THE FORM OF RAIN IN YOUR SEASON AND WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR “CROPS” TO DRY UP BY DROUGHT
The Lord will open to you His good treasury the heavens, to give rain upon your soil in its season.
- BLESSINGS IN YOUR BUSINESSES
The Lord will open for you His rich treasury, the heavens to give rain upon your soil in its season, blessings to rest on all your enterprises. You shall lend to many nations while you yourselves borrow from none. And the Lord will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall tend upward only, and not downward.
What Difference Does Color Make?
To those who make the claim that blacks, specifically African Americans, are the true biological descendants of Abraham, the Hebrews; what difference does it make? If you are indeed the biological descendants of Abraham and are indeed under the “curse of the Law,” this fact should not be anything to boast about. The Pharisees claimed proudly and boastfully to be the biological “children of Abraham” and therefore were a slave to no one. But Jesus strongly reprimanded them when they made this claim;
John 8:31-39
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house forever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham’s seed (sperma), but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children (Tekna), ye would do the works of Abraham.
Jesus went on to say that they were of their father the devil because they refused to believe in Him.
Being a biological descendant of Abraham is nothing to boast of because it is only because of your (the Hebrews’) disobedience that you were placed under the curse of the Law. The biological descendants of Abraham were the ones who rejected and crucified Jesus. The biological descendants of the Hebrews were the branches who were “broken off because of their unbelief.” Are these things to be proud of? I dare say, they are not!
Therefore, to those blacks who may indeed be Hebrew; only through Christ can you be redeemed from the curse of the Law. To those blacks who are not Hebrew, you are only saved by the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.
What difference does color make? To those who are Gentiles, (whites), can you boast? No. You were originally seen as heathens, as unclean, as outsiders as it relates to the “Children of Israel.” It is only by the sovereign grace of God and the Good News of the Gospel that God in His sovereign grace and mercy, decided to graft you into the Body of Christ. Even those small number of Jews of the gentile lineage (who have the kohen genetic signature [DNA]), you too were also “grafted” into the Hebrew race. As I have shown in scripture, your lineage from Genesis specifically states that you are of a line other than Shem, the original Hebrews. [Most of the current occupants of Israel have no biological ties to the Hebrews or the land except in name only, but came to Israel to escape the persecution in Russia and Europe. Read, The Israelis by Donna Rosenthal]. To those white Jews who claim to have Hebrew lineage, you also face being under the “curse of the Law” without the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.
Mark 7:25-27
For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
Romans 11:18-21; 24-25
Boast not against the branches. But if you boast, thou bear not the root, but the root thee. Thou will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: For If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
For if thou were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
To whites who claim the false doctrine of “white supremacy,” it is only through the blood of Jesus that you can be redeemed and brought into the Body of Christ. Outside of Jesus Christ, the curse of the Law may not pertain to you, however, you cannot be saved by your own works, no matter how good you think you are. Neither are you saved by your white skin. You should in fact give honor to those who are the root, remembering as Paul says that it is not you who bear the root, but the root is the one who bears you. [As science even bares witness, that all mankind originated from mother Africa (the black race). If the root dies, the entire branch will die.]
The Gentile age will come to an end and God is going to restore His chosen people Israel. If you are a Gentile (white), and outside of the Body of Christ, you will not only once again be considered an outsider in society, but you will also be an outsider in terms of the Children of Israel. Black man, you have a reason to rejoice in that God has not forsaken His people and will restore His chosen people Israel, but again, if you are outside of the body of Christ upon the completion of the age of the Gentiles, though you may be restored to your former glory in terms of society, yet, what profit will it be to gain the whole world and lose your soul.
As was Paul’s theme in the book of Ephesians, it is imperative that the Body of Christ come into unity. The gentiles (whites) will not always remain in power, therefore, it is of utmost urgency that they submit to the will of God and forsake their arrogance caused by the false belief that they are somehow superior to others. It is also imperative that blacks, (Hebrews and non-Hebrews), embrace the knowledge of God’s original plan for them in His creation and even more importantly, that they receive the gift offering of God’s Son, Jesus Christ in order to receive the blessing of father Abraham. Only then can there be true unity in the Body of Christ. This is what I mean by the “leveling ground.”
It is unfortunate that in this decade, especially in America, racial division and strife is just as prevalent as it was 20 years ago. As I pointed out, the church in America is even more separate than the secular world. Younger whites say, “it isn’t our fault, we were not the ones who enslaved black people, “blacks need to get over it.” Younger blacks say, “they (whites) owe us.” Both viewpoints contain a small amount of truth.
You are correct that it was not this generation of white Americans who directly enslaved blacks, HOWEVER, you still reap the tremendous benefits of “white privilege.” White Americans still reap trillions of dollars in monetary privileges and other privileges that are a direct result of your forefathers’ horrendous acts of slavery. Institutional racism is at its highest and many things are no different, and in some ways, only getting worse. This is like the victimizer blaming his victim for sins committed; like the rapist blaming the one who was raped for the act committed against her. To blacks who say that “they (whites) owe us something.” There is also some truth to this statement, however, you are not a child who needs to be parented by an adult.
Apartheid in South Africa should serve as an example to America. Bishop Desmond Tutu’s example of “The Day of Reconciliation” should serve as a prime example of how America could rise above the past and move on to a brighter future. Never has America as a nation openly apologized for the injustices of slavery. Never has the white church in America apologized for the segregation and racism that they have practiced and still continue to practice each and every Sunday.
Do African Americans want some sort of monetary compensation for the past injustices of slavery? I truly believe that they do not. But, I do believe they would like some sort of acknowledgement, recognition and apology for the injustices of slavery and the contributions that their black forefathers contributed to the making of this great nation. If white and black America, beginning with the church, would sit across the table from each other in open dialogue and whites would say, “I was wrong,” “slavery was wrong,” “my forefathers were wrong for enslaving another group of people, for enslaving your people and using them for their own monetary gain,” “America was borne on the backs of countless blacks who suffered pain and loss of life in the building of this nation,” “I am continuing to reap benefits from these injustices of the past,” “can we move on as one people, my brother?”
And blacks across the table would say, “thank you for acknowledging the injustices of the past and present,” “I forgive your forefathers for the huge injustices that they committed against my people,” “I forgive you for the sins of your forefathers, I forgive you for the sins that have taken place in my generation,” let’s move on as one people, my brother.” I truly believe that America would see an almost miraculous turn around in healing the past and moving on to an even greater nation of unity and justice for all.
Acknowledgment is the first step towards bringing about a positive change in regard to changing ones negative behavior. I fear that if America refuses to come to terms with the sins of the past and refuses to acknowledge the sinful acts committed against God’s people, America will ultimately face the tremendous wrath and justice of God upon a nation who stubbornly refuses to acknowledge and repent of its sinful ways. Sadly, if this is the choice that America makes, I believe this will ultimately lead to America’s downfall. I also believe that churches that make the claim of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ yet fail to actively include those in the Body of Christ and continue to hold on to the practice of excluding others in the Body of Christ because of their racial or ethnic origin, will ultimately die.
It is my prayer that America, beginning with the church in America, would heed the call to mend the ways of the past so that she can indeed move forward as, “ONE nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” and more importantly, that the church can press forward to the higher calling as One Body in Christ.
My conclusion is that:
God is Supreme, God is in control, and that God’s Word is infallible.
Because of God’s divine sovereignty and election, God alone determines the times and seasons. God alone determines which group or nation will “rule” at any particular time in world history. Man in his limited and self centered mindset often has the view and opinion that the world revolves around him. Man is the center of his own universe, and everything is about him and about him alone. However, as Paul points out many times in scripture, God does things according to “His purpose” and “His good pleasure,” “according to the good pleasure of His will.” God alone is the author and finisher, the architect and designer, the creator and sustainer. Glory be to God alone!
The Good News!
Galatians 3:28-29
For through faith in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, because you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
