Therefore, we can learn from Esther's example and come together on the issue of racism impacting our country today, utilizing the authority of our respective position in today's culture and speaking on behalf of our brothers and sisters of color to exact positive change consistent with Scripture's teachings. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13–14).īecause Esther held position and favor in the King's eyes, her message was allowed to be heard, and inevitably her courage to speak up despite the risk of potential persecution and death led to the preservation of her people in the midst of impending evil and unfathomable injustice. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. LYRICS: "People come together, strange as neighbors, our blood is one-children of generations, of every nation, of kingdom come."Īt a time when Jews faced impending genocide, Mordecai sent word to his cousin, Queen Esther, pleading for her support and holding her accountable before God to love, serve and protect their people. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:13–15). Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Nonetheless, pivoting toward acknowledgement of "Black Lives Matter" does not necessarily constitute that "ALL Lives DO NOT Matter." Rather, focusing our love and attention toward the racial injustices of our fellow man/woman, whether black, brown or white, is an all-encompassing message of love and support which should be our primary, battle cry as we serve one another in the body of Christ. The challenge is that the moment we focus attention in one direction, an assumption is made that our lack of attention in other directions indirectly communicates a lack of concern regarding their importance. However, by offering that perspective, proponents argue we are minimizing racial injustice and suppressing the black community further by shifting focus off their legitimate, specific concerns and onto a more all-inclusive discussion. One of the more spirited discussions around "Black Lives Matter" is the argument that "ALL Lives Matter." In other words, shouldn't we give equal care, consideration and attention to all races and the injustices facing mankind universally? By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35). Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. In today's age, it is easy to become swept up by media coverage/bias on a particular issue and defensive toward embracing the fact that we ALL have much to learn about personal heart change and loving one another from God's perspective. In the wake of protests in the United States concerning racism in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, many rallying cries have enveloped our nation but none more so than "Black Lives Matter."Īs a white, adult male, I've wrestled with what that message means to me personally and, more importantly, sought to understand from Scripture what God has to say both directly and indirectly related to the issue at hand, as well as how I should respond.
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