Sunday, January 18

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Lord’s Day

Minute for Mission: Race Relations

In the biblical account of creation, Adam and Eve fail to fully trust God and God’s wisdom, and humankind is introduced to previously unknown perils, animosity being one of the most destructive. The creation account is followed by the tragedy of Cain and Abel, a story filled with implications of insecurity, jealousy, distrust, hatred, and faithlessness. The peace and harmony of the Garden of Eden are shattered by perils realized when Adam and Eve turn their backs on God, and animosity is one of the most destructive results. Selfishness, insecurity, jealousy, and distrust pervert God’s intent for humankind, and when in our unfaithfulness we give in to them, we turn our backs on God.

Race and animosity are frequent companions mainly because humans are uncomfortable with things that are different and race targets differences. The truth is that animosities would exist even if we all looked alike because human fallibilities would still exist. The people of Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Uganda have similar features, but the animosities among them are real.

Many see race as a false construct; certainly a Christian should. Race divides based on physical distinctions when in reality we are one; biologically we are Homo sapiens, and spiritually we are Children of God. As beneficiaries of Jesus — the new Adam — we are freed to triumph over the weaknesses and fallibilities of the human condition, we are freed to live faithfully with God.

On this Race Relations Sunday, think about how irrelevant race really is.

—Rev. Curtis A. Kearns, Jr., executive administrator, General Assembly Council

Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, help us see ourselves as beneficiaries of Jesus and as children of God. Give us the strength to love, the confidence to trust, and the courage to live without fearing those who are different from ourselves. Bring us your kingdom. Amen.

Lectionary and Hymns
1 Sam. 3:1–10 (11–20)
Here I Am, Lord
PH 525

Ps. 139:1–6, 13–18
I Am Thine, O Lord
HB 320, MH 419

1 Cor. 6:12–20
Make Me a Captive, Lord
PH 378
Trust and Obey
MH 467

John 1:43–51
Christ of the Upward Way
PH 344, HB 295

Daily Lectionary
Ps. 19, 150 Ps. 81, 113
Isa. 43:14–44:5
Heb. 6:17–7:10; John 4:27–42