There has been a firestorm of protests across this nation and around the world. This fire was ignited again due to the murder of George Floyd in Minneso- ta by four police officers.
Racism has been a problem in the world in every age. The animosity between Jew and Gentile; Israel- ite and stranger or foreigner; Black and white; Latino and Caucasian, etc., is a fact.
Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married an Ethiopian woman. Of course, they were complaining because they thought God should speak to them as well. The complaint of Moses’ having married an Ethiopian woman (a black woman) may have been made to poison the minds of other Israelites. Regardless, they showed their prejudice.
Jesus, during his ministry, was traveling back to Galilee. He sat down at Jacob’s well while his disci- ples went into the city for food. A Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus asked for water. John records, “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” (John 4:9.) Jesus came to break down racial barriers. But the statement by the Samaritan woman shows the prejudice that existed. The Jews and the Samaritans (a mixed-race) had nothing to do with each other.
Racial prejudice is undoubtedly not new. Luke records the defense that the apostle Paul made before the mob in Jerusalem. When he said that God had sent him to the Gentiles, the Jewish mob was ready to kill him. You talk about racial prejudice, that is a prime example (Acts 22:17-23). Paul had to rebuke Peter because of his racial discrimination. (Gal. 2:11-14.) Racism is wrong in any age. Regardless of how one was reared, racism is never right; it needs to be eradicated from our hearts.
How would you define “racism”? It is the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of another race; it is discriminatory or abusive behavior toward members of another race; it is hatred or ill will toward another race, merely because of race. So, RACISM exists in this country. But this does not mean we should be satisfied with the “status quo.” What can I do to bridge the gap? How can I make the needed changes? There is a call for “systemic change” – a change of the entire system. How can I do this? I would like for us to think about some things from a Biblical perspective.
There is a need for justice in this world today. Justice for all will not be carried out in this world;
however, it will be carried out in the final day. Luke records, “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14.) It is interesting that in the expression “do violence to no man” the marginal note of my Bible says,“Or, Put no man in fear.” I wonder why John said that to these Roman soldiers if there was not some abuse or the possibility of mistreatment of citizens? No good police officer would have approved of the action or inaction of the police in the death of George Floyd. I suspect, as in any profession, some are not what they ought to be. I do not doubt that some African-Americans flee from the police because they fear reprisal merely because they are black. When police stop a black man or woman only because he or she is black, this is wrong. Since I am not black, I cannot, nor will I ever fully understand the black man’s or woman’s plight. But I can try.
How can we stop or at least mitigate racism in this country and around the world?
Changes will come about when hearts are changed. Laws can be made, but until hearts are changed, there will be no overhaul of our present situation. Solomon wrote, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov. 4:23.) Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matt.15:19.) If we can change hearts, then we can start down the road to changing lives. Will it happen overnight? No.