From Every Tribe . . .

READ: Revelation 5:6-14

Jesus said, “It is finished."

When World War II began, thousands of African-Americans volunteered to fight for their country. But “Jim Crow” laws of discrimination were in full force—even in the army. Segregation was rampant. Black soldiers were at times placed in more dangerous jobs than white soldiers. Black troops were denied entry into army specialist schools. They were not allowed to command white officers. They were served lower-quality food and forced to ride separate military buses into town.

But on December 26, 1944, during the worst days of the Battle of the Bulge, the US Army issued a directive that African-American volunteers be integrated into white combat units—a change that marked the beginning of the end for the “Jim Crow” army.

More than 2,000 years ago, during the darkest day in human history, the Lord Jesus issued a victorious shout: “It is finished!” The work that Jesus finished was His perfect life and atoning death on the cross for sinners. Jesus’ blood brought redemption and forgiveness to all who would believe in Him, creating a multinational army. The death of our Lord pleads with blood-bought sinners of all cultures to serve as an integrated congregation and army together—worshiping the Lamb and fighting in the battle against Satan.

Read Revelation 7:9-17 again. John saw a group of people whose lives were purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. These individuals were from every tribe and language and people and nation. In one voice, this great integrated army sang one song of praise and exultation: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (v.10).

During these days of the “Battle for the Church,” followers of Jesus from different cultures must live out the reality of being purchased by His blood. We must live, worship, sing, pray, and enter into combat arm-in-arm. As much as it depends on you, refuse to let Satan use you to weaken the Christian army through the divisive tactics of prejudice and discrimination. In addition, let the Holy Spirit use you to create an atmosphere of impenetrable unity and genuine love among Christian brothers and sisters.

"Jim Crow” had no place in the army, and certainly has no place in the body of Christ. —Marvin Williams

REFLECTION

• How often do I fellowship with brothers and sisters from different cultures?
• How can I reflect Christian unity among brothers and sisters from different cultures this week?

Jesus calls us to connect our hearts.

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