24th. July. 2020. Daily Devotion
Do not ill-treat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. Exodus 22:21
One of the saddest aspects of life in the 21st Century is the persistence of racism in the word as we read so much in our news today. Usually it is based on fear and ignorance. Here is a commentary on this single verse from the Law of Moses.
When we read the New Testament, we find a Christ who totally eschewed violence, even in self-defence: ” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) And among the Epistles, we find repeated entreaties that we be, not only peaceful, but pleasant. (Colossians 4:6-8)
The term “foreigner” means people of other religions. The Jews had no known racial discrimination as the term is now used; for example, they did not think of black Africans in any way different from themselves. But they were very discriminatory towards persons of other religions; as Judaism developed, they could not eat a meal with a Gentile or enter his house. They would sometimes apply laws against lending money for interest only to other Jews.
But they were, and we are, prohibited by the word of God from “oppressing or mistreating” people of other nations, religions, and races.
Bringing the light of Christ to the world has no worse enemy than the hypocrite. Both Peter and Paul tell us to attract others to Christ by our exemplary behaviour. In fact, we are not to defend ourselves even when we are insulted. E.g., 1 Peter 3:9, “not returning evil for evil or insult for insult but giving a blessing instead.”
A Christian cannot, therefore, be a racist at all. We are all sinners, and many of us harbour the natural tendencies to feel less of a natural, emotional bond with persons of other races; the victory of Christ comes from living in the Spirit, by which we can overcome this evil in ourselves.
Pray that the Spirit of God will overcome the spirit of racism in the world and that its victims may be protected and consoled in our society.
Lord of All Hopefulness
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy, be there at my waking, and give me, I pray, your bliss in my heart, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith, whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe, be there at my labours, and give me, I pray, your strength in my heart, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, be there at my homing, and give me, I pray, your love in my heart, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, be there at my sleeping, and give me, I pray, your peace in my heart, Lord, at the end of the day. Amen. ~ Jan Struther, 1931.
Prayer to absorb God’s Word.
God my Father help me today to take your truth and apply it to my circumstances. Blessed Holy Spirit, nudge me, remind me throughout my day, again and again, for I know I will find freedom in obedience to your Word. I pray, show me what I need to focus on, now and wherever the day might take me.
Change my vision. Embolden me to practice what you reveal to me, for I am confident of the blessings that come from life in harmony with your Word. My life is yours: I give it to you, of my own free will, and pray you to take it up and show me your path. In the name of Jesus, I pray this with all my heart in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for uncertain times
Lord Jesus Christ, light of this world, thank you for the hope you have given us.
Help us to give our worries to you and, above all, to trust in your unfailing love.
For you have promised us “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Almighty God, our protector, let us trust in you to carry us through this time of uncertainty.
Lord Jesus, hear our cries as we mourn those who have left us. Whatever tomorrow may bring, we will praise your name.
Amen.
