“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free: but Christ is all, and in all.” Col. 3:11
Paul’s discussion has been about the new creation brought about by Christ and how it affects the behavior of believers. We have put on a new wardrobe with new capabilities. We have a growing knowledge of reality as it relates to our union with Christ. The same distinctions that defined society before, no longer work. We are now defined only by our relationship with Him.
Things started off with a true man made in the image of God and commissioned to display God’s glory in the earth. But sin entered the creation and brought all kinds of turmoil. Mankind began to define and defend himself based on racial or geographical grounds. Different societies were graded on their specialties and distinctives. The Greeks were known for their philosophy: The Jews for their covenant with Jehovah. There were poor societies, unlearned societies, scholarly societies, free societies and enslaved societies. Man found his identity in his particular culture. And of course there was conflict as each trumpeted his own above others.
The Jews had come to believe their culture was the only one sanctioned by God. They had elevated the culture surrounding their covenant with God to the extent that it was, in their eyes, superior. It was disgusting for them to consider that God would accept the foreign people. How could barbarians and Greeks be included in God’s people?
There are some today who still maintain that race can determine status with God. They somehow believe that Jewish people have a leverage with God not granted to others. They might concede that all people need to come to Jesus for salvation, but as time progresses they believe God will grant more grace to Jewish people than to others simply because they are Jewish.
Jesus Christ is the new man. He restores true humanity. In Him there is no distinction. Everything that gives significance or identity is fulfilled in Christ. Of course he has not erased the distinctions made in creation between male and female, humans and animals, etc., but those distinctions that have been used to place one over another as to value with God have been abolished.
He is the end of philosophy for the Greeks. He is the Messiah of the Jews. He is the final covenant partner. He is the wisdom of the wise men. He is the hope of the simple. He is the liberator of the slaves. He is the final Adam. In him there is no need to add any bragging rights. He destroys racism because in him there is no recognition of any racial distinction that begs superiority.
We have more in common with Christians from Iran than with heathen from the USA. Our nationalism is important but subject to our kingdom relationships. We are in Christ first and in America second. We are in Christ and Christ is in us. As we understand that, we will rise above the petty competition between races and nations and begin to gather around Him instead of our cultural values. He has made it possible for the whole world to come back to the garden. Praise Him!
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
