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Race and Ethnicity: God’s Word for Our World Sample

Race and Ethnicity: God’s Word for Our World

DAY 2 OF 14

AN INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER

Solomon’s prayer dedicating the temple showed that Israel’s God was the God of all nations. The king anticipated that foreigners from throughout the world would be drawn to the house of worship in Jerusalem. He asked God to honor their prayers so that “all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You.”

Solomon’s prayer was soon answered by a visit from the queen of Sheba (1 Kin. 10:1–13). She had heard rumors of Solomon’s splendors but wanted to see them for herself. When she observed all his accomplishments, she praised God for what the king had done for Israel (10:9). Other visitors had similar reactions (see 2 Chr. 6:32, 33).

The temple was situated at Jerusalem, but as Jesus pointed out (quoting Isaiah), it was meant to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Is. 56:7; Mark 11:17). Likewise, Israel was to bless the nations and light the way toward the one true God (Gen. 12:1–3; Is. 51:4).

Jesus also taught His followers to be a light to the world (Matt. 5:14–16). But rather than gathering others to a central place of worship, believers today have been commanded to scatter throughout the earth, taking the news of God’s grace around the world.

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About this Plan

Race and Ethnicity: God’s Word for Our World

We live in a diverse society with a history of ethnic conflict. As the early church discovered, the gospel has enormous implications for how we relate to others from different backgrounds. These readings offer perspective on an issue that has been a struggle throughout history and insight for our response today. Commentary is excerpted from the Modern Life Study Bible.

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