Romans 10:12-13 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

This statement was absolutely offensive to many Jews of Paul’s day, and actually, it continues to be so today. The physical descendants of Abraham, specifically through Isaac and Jacob, were and are God’s chosen people, but they misunderstood the purpose of their choosing, and it made problems for them and everyone else. They were chosen to bless all mankind, in various ways. Even today, an amazing percentage of Nobel laureates are Jews. The nation of Israel today is a fountain of invention and innovation that benefits the whole world. However, when anyone starts thinking that the things God pours out on them are just because they are so special and worthy, that corrupts things. The primary purpose of God’s choosing Abraham and his descendants was to spread the knowledge of Him throughout the world, so that people would turn from worshiping created things (including worshiping man, which is the major idolatry today) and worship the Creator. God’s choice, of the Jews and of anyone else, continues to be for the blessing of mankind and for His glory. That’s why the statement that there is no difference between Jew and Greek is so vitally important: God can and will use anyone who is committed to Him.

Growing up as a blond kid in postwar Japan, I was very aware of racial differences. However, my parents were successful in raising us to understand that such differences were cosmetic and not essential, and certainly not a matter of value. I will confess of having used my status as an American to get away with things that Japanese kids were not allowed to do, but I don’t think I felt even then that I was actually “better,” from a racial standpoint. I saw my parents’ deep love for the Japanese and their desire that Japanese join them in God’s family, and that certainly rubbed off. We currently have an interracial, intercultural, bilingual church, and that’s a good demonstration of this principle. One language or one culture is not superior to another, but we all need to strive for “kingdom culture,” living out our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) here and now. Frankly, anyone tends to feel that their way is better. I’m guilty too, and I need to lead the way in humility to find God’s way for every situation, every question.

Father, thank You for Your grace in countless ways. Thank You for this congregation and for all You are doing in and among us. Help us continue to grow in every area, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually, even as we grow in numbers, so that we will be an accurate demonstration of Your kingdom to those around us, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!