This is God's Idea

Not the evil, not the injustice, not the sin. The reconciliation, the restoration, the redemption.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” // Revelation 7:9-10

A world where all races are represented, respected, included, empowered, cherished, and celebrated has always been God’s idea.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.’” // Genesis 1:26

We are ALL - every person who is, was, or ever will be created and put on this earth - is made in the image of God. That means that God is all the nations, all the tribes, and all the peoples. We cannot get a complete picture of God without all people represented. It’s only then that we can even begin to grasp how infinite and big and creative and astounding and glorious he is.

Racial justice is not a political issue. Racial justice is God’s idea. It’s his perfect design. Sin got in the way, but God put a plan for redemption in place before the evil even began. He’s always been moving us toward that end, and he will continue to. His kingdom is one in which ALL nations, tribes, and peoples are best when we are ALL together.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” // Micah 6:8

“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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” // John 13:34-35

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” // 1 John 4:20-21

God’s perfect plan for reconciliation, restoration, and redemption is in place and always has been. It’s where we are headed, no matter what.

“In Jesus was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” // John 1:4-5

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” // Romans 12:21

What an incredible honor and joy we have to join him in this work?! In and through Jesus, we can be light in the darkness, good over evil. The truth is, he doesn’t need us, but he wants us. He wants us to examine our own hearts, love boldly, show deep kindness, fight for justice, and trust him to meet us and strengthen us and guide us.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” // Psalm 139:23-24

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” // 2 Chronicles 7:14

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” // Romans 12:15

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” // Psalm 27:13-14

YES! We shall look upon the goodness of the Lord right here, in the land of the living. Goodness is here. It is growing. And it will not be stopped. Let’s help to plant it, cultivate it, tend to it, delight in it, and watch it fill the earth until God’s perfect kingdom is completely restored.

Psalm 37 is one of my most favorite passages of scripture. It’s comforting and challenging and wise and wonderful and honestly just pumps me up, y’all. (This is only the first seven verses - I highly encourage you to read the whole Psalm and just let it wash over your heart and mind.)

1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Evil will not win. Wickedness will not prosper. All wrongs will be made right.

God’s plan is complete and perfect redemption, and he invites us to join him in moving our world toward it. Whether your movement is “big” or “small,” “loud” or “quiet,” “fast” or “slow;” it’s all good.

Light is light, and even the littlest bit overcomes darkness.