“Without love I am nothing (1Cor.13:2). “Joshua went up to (the angel of the LORD) and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither!’”( Jos. 5:13). “I saw a great multitude no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, was standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev.7:9).
Lord Jesus, I’m not sure how many times I was asked over the weekend, “Who you for in the NFL playoffs? Who do see making it to the Super Bowl?” It’s Monday morning, and it’s settled. The Chiefs will play the Eagles. As a Westminster Seminary Philly grad, I’ll pull for the Eagles. But that being said…
Spirited competition in the sports world is one thing, but turning life, culture, and a community into a giant “us” versus “them” arena is hellish, tragic, and anti-Gospel. Jesus, you don’t wear any one team’s jersey or prefer one nation’s flag over another. In fact, the banner that flies over us—your every-nation Bride, is your redeeming, reconciling love (Song of Songs 2:4). And the one garment that doesn’t hide our diversity but unites us as one is the robe of your perfect righteousness.
Stereotypes, prejudice, caricatures, reviling, assuming the worse, cursing-rather-than-blessing… these things are not only unacceptable, but they are also deplorable. Jesus, it is impossible to take your Word seriously and defend any form of racism, nationalism, or supremacy… other than Christ-supremacy (Eph.1:10; Col.1:18).
Forgive us, free us, fuel our hearts with a passion to love as you love us… all of us. There’s only one unshakable Kingdom, and as in Joshua’s day, you don’t take sides, Lord—you take over. Your reign is a reign of grace (Rom.5:20-21). Hallelujah, Jesus, and So Very Amen.
