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GOD'S PLAN FOR RACE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Now, let’s turn our attention to Race and identity. From the beginning, God gives value to all people because they are made in his image. Even when God shows a preference for one family, which grows into a nation and race, his goal is still that all nations would be blessed through them. Throughout the Old Testament, it can be hard to keep this in view because of the effect of sin on how the Jewish people interact with those around them. They fail at living out the calling of God to bless all nations. Yet, God still promises through the prophets that this is his heart: to see everyone, in all their uniqueness, come to worship Him as Creator and Lord.

Like the Israelites, Christians have failed in this, and we still have so much to learn about God’s heart for the nations. We all have blind spots from our culture, education, upbringing, etc., about what it looks like to engage with those who are different from us. But unlike the people in the Old Testament, we have the Holy Spirit in us to help us to see those blind spots. As we learn to know the value and worth of all people, made in God’s image, we can “bless the nations” by honoring and building up those who are different than us.

Ask Yourself:

-What have I learned from God’s Word, the Church, and others about my blind spots?

-Who could help me continue learning and growing, helping open my eyes and heart?

Pause to Pray: Lord Jesus, help me see how I fall short of viewing others as you view them. Reveal the blind spots I have and help me address them...

Take a Next Step: Identify a resource that will help you learn and grow- a person in your life, a book, a podcast, etc. Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison is a great book to get you started.