Your Kingdom Come: The Case Against Racismनमुना

Day 8: Humility Required 

Throughout this devotional, we have discussed the sin of racism - an evil not only rooted in pride but can birth pride in one's heart as we see in Moses’ family drama. 

“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?”” (Numbers 12:1-2)

The Cushite people were from East Africa, around what is known today as Sudan and Ethiopia, where people were known for their Black skin. Miriam and Aaron’s issue with Moses’ Cushite wife not only fuelled sibling rivalry but led them to question Moses’ calling and authority, their sense of pride evident as they murmured between themselves. Having heard their prideful whispers, God quickly intervenes, calling a meeting at the tent to challenge their upright hearts. He not only speaks sternly to them but struck Miriam with the skin condition of leprosy. The repercussions of their pride swiftly dawned on them and Aaron humbly cried out for mercy and forgiveness recognising the error of their ways. “And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned.” (Numbers 12:11) Moses pleaded with God and God curtailed Miriam’s punishment. 

This story illustrates two things: firstly, racism causes us to proudly challenge what God has said or established. Secondly, when we humbly repent from the errors of our ways, God will show us grace, forgive, and bring healing. In a day and age where society expects us to “know it all” and in a world that can be quite unforgiving of our mistakes, it can be difficult to admit where we need to change, but humility is required to wage war against racism. We must acknowledge both the prideful roots and pride-filled fruits in our lives. In our journey of sanctification, God will graciously challenge us to a higher standard but we can also ask Him to reveal any of our ways that are not aligned with His heart. Like the prayer found in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”  This posture of willing humility pleases God and helps us to renew our minds as we walk humbly with Him.

Reflection points:

Ask God to search your heart for any prideful roots or fruits and stay open to what He might reveal to you.

Consider if you need to seek forgiveness from someone due to prideful motives.

Pray for sustained humility in your approach to the topic of racism and as you pursue unity and God’s heart for diversity.