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1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

These men of Issachar, David’s army, discerned God’s choice for Israel’s king and placed their support behind him. They were men who understood the times and Israel’s responsibility to them. 

As we navigate the challenges of bias and bigotry, which too often lead to violence in our country, we must be people who understand the times and set the best course of action. Expertise and historical understanding of race can help, but we also must remember that history is not our standard, it only gives us perspective. It is our belief that morals, righteousness, empathy, compassion, and grace must chart our course and be bi-partisan. This ultimately is not about blue states, red states, or religion, though bias and race are immeasurably affected by all. At any time, if we allow partisan politics to obscure our biblical obligation we need to rethink wearing the name Christian altogether. God’s law and man’s law shouldn't be a close second. By learning to assess one’s own values and thoughts impacted by racism and/or implicit biases, we have the opportunity to learn where the root of our inner thoughts lay and can measure them using the righteous examples set by Jesus. Unchecked, these values and beliefs can entangle themselves into our hearts and limit our capacity to hear fully and obey God’s command to love. Using a self, then others framework, (Mathew 7:1-4) we must take a look inward at our own hearts before we can fully realize our ability to effectively demonstrate the transformational power of God’s love in our cities, our country. This vision is about a diverse alternative prophetic community ready to stand as Jesus did, counter-culturally to implicit bias, microaggression, discrimination, and violence of all kinds. As kingdom people, this is about a state of the heart that can't be legislated- Hearts that are waiting to be changed as they witness the love of Christ modeled through His believers. God, Grace, and Race 

This series has been put together from local and worldwide resources to help our communities navigate and understand the issues of race, ethnicity, and cultural differences. It consists of general lessons, and community and individual devotionals. It is our hope that these lessons will be helpful in laying a foundation of genuine love, reconciliation, forgiveness, and acceptance as we strive to live as citizens of the kingdom. 

Race In America (Part 1 & 2)

Mr. Red and Mr. Blue