Racism is evil. This statement alone defines both the nature as well as the source of racism. It is demonic and comes from hell. It is an invention and scheme of the devil to get people to do his dirty work for him, namely to kill and destroy each other. I think activism is important. I think peaceful protest is affective. My fear is that in our attempt to show solidarity or prove our allegiance to the cause, we will fight this battle on fronts that will not lead to victory; but only to more destruction and more death. I believe the Lord has given us keys to combat injustice, and that it is time to grab them and use them intentionally and consistently.
Principalities, Powers, and Rulers
Every person, every family, every region, and every nation has a particular spiritual climate to contend with. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Nations are not defined by their history; rather their history is influenced by the spirits active over them. For example, the United States has serious issues with racism and race relations. But which came first? Racism or the spirit of racism? By the way, this is not just relevant for the United States, and there are other matters of injustice that need to be addressed (the killing of the unborn comes to mind immediately). My point is: this battle will not be won on the streets, in the courts, or in the culture. It will be won on our knees. Until this spirit has been dealt with, no amount of social engagement will make any difference. It is vital for the people of God to recognize our authority and responsibility. We’re the only ones with the insight and power to meet this thing head on. Each one of us needs to examine our heart, and start pulling down the spiritual strongholds over our families, regions, and nations. This spirit has no right to be here. But it can and will as long as we attack each other instead of it.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the great unifier. God, in his love and generosity to all people, pours out his Spirit upon all flesh. It is God’s great assurance that we have been made in his image. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples spoke in many different languages and thereby testified to all men about the person of Jesus. The Holy Spirit makes us one, his mere presence dissolves the lines that separate us. When we speak in tongues, one wouldn’t even be able to tell where we are from. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, is a demonstration that our citizenship is in another Kingdom. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28) We desperately need a Pentecostal revival! A fresh (or maybe first) baptism in the Holy Spirit, which makes us one and allows the church to model to the world what it looks like when all the lines dissipate under the authority of one Lord and one Spirit. It needs to start with us. The Lord only does in the world what he has already done in the church.
Love for Enemies
According to the wisdom of the world, we change what we hate in order to make it more like ourselves. Not so in the Kingdom. God’s approach is for us to love those who hate us, and thereby to facilitate transformation. We change what we love. “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45) This presents an enormous personal, emotional challenge. How am I supposed to love someone who is blatantly evil? That’s the point; it is impossible, implausible, even offensive to the mind that has not been fully anointed by the heart and character of Jesus. We need to pursue, encounter, and intimately commune with Jesus! Then our prayers will be infused with redemptive potential, enabling us to truly deliver those under the yoke of satan. This is the way of the Kingdom. Not just because it is a higher ethic, but because it carries the power of God to transform nations.
My prayer is that we come together. First as a church, then as a culture. Not under an agenda, not under a slogan, but under a Name. Submitting everything to the authority and glory of Jesus. Let’s wage war against the principalities, powers, and rulers in the heavenly realms above our families, cities, and countries. Let’s intercede, let’s battle, let’s love. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Daniel Reinhold
Creative Director, Relayer Music