The recent strong exchanges between Royals over ‘who is racist’ have boiled over into a media frenzy for all to see. Racism has raised its ugly head yet again.
Commentators have been drawing a connection with the Black Lives Matter movement which has had such traction globally. Like never before, aspects of history and culture are being questioned as people seek to uncover and restrain the slippery snake of systemic racism. I ask what can be done to truly crush the snake’s head, so we see a stark change?
A superior movement is silently underway
Jesus began an unprecedented movement: He announced God’s kingdom had come. Jesus dealt with sin, including the dismantling and eradication of racism. He perfectly modelled crushing the serpent’s head.
No banners waved, he passed through a town no Jews went to. In John Chapter 4, we read how Jesus quietly met a Samaritan woman at a well. She said, “How can you talk to me, a woman and a Samaritan, Jews never do that!” Christ’s love saw no barriers of race and gender; God’s love for the lost transcended these.
She had tried filling her emptiness in her life with relationships. Jesus knew only God and his forgiveness could quench her spiritual thirst. At the well this woman joyfully found salvation in the Saviour! Jesus knew who he was and what he carried; so, must we.
This is a snapshot of a superior movement, just as a cure is more important than a bandage solution. Are you a part of it? Friends, at the well of salvation we are united in perfect love. Our new Christ identity transcends every wall, every insecurity, every boundary and every spiritual hindrance.
Winds are blowing, but don’t be blown about
People have had enough of racism. God is dismantling it. Everything built on self-righteousness, oppression and lies is being uncovered. As the prophet Isaiah said, “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place.”
The winds of change are blowing hard to bring this correction; but as they blow don’t allow yourself to be blown about! Paul exhorted the church not to be blown about by every wind of teaching like infants and by deceit. As media puts the spotlight on racism so people are called to account, be careful not to become critical of others, bad mouthing due to the discord and controversy. Remember it is a spiritual battle; don’t be a stumbling block.
Know that everything not built on kingdom foundations is being sifted. However, as racism is exposed, ultimately people are looking for true acceptance. Shine as Jesus did by loving others of difference and learning to collaborate with them, as Jesus did with the Samaritan.
Stomp and crush the head of the serpent
We are involved in a titanic struggle between Satan and God’s people. In Genesis chapter 3 it says, “the seed of the woman will be at enmity with the seed of the serpent. And you will crush his head and he will bruise your heel.” It shows how Messiah would be bruised and suffer death at the cross but totally overcome and crush Satan to restore authority to men in himself.
Importantly, believing a lie empowers the liar. We can only crush the head of the snake by using the sword of the spirit. Racism is built on a lie from the father of lies. The lie of racism is that one race is superior to another race. However, God’s word says that all, including Jews, are joint heirs of the same salvation. There are no favourites.
When Hitler rallied people to commit genocide against Israel it was built on a lie. Evolution gives ground for it. The notion of an ascending superior race is readily construed from an evolutionary school of thought. The truth that all mankind was created to be bearers of God’s image shows we are all equal; the snake has no crack to enter.
Another lie is that one nation thrashes another nation, perhaps in the past as a captor and is therefore superior. The truth is that God allows nations to conquer other nations, so nations are humbled and sometimes due to idolatry. While this is not God’s perfect will he permits displacement so ultimately all men might seek him and find him (see Acts chapter 17). He uses all for good. The captor or colonialist must not think he subdued another nation by his own might; God says the proud will be humbled.
Build the ark
Friends, people are looking for safety more than ever today. Things have been very unsafe not only due to the deadly, lingering pandemic but also heightened tensions have led to racial hatred and conflict. Maybe it has really bothered you or you have even been hurt personally.
Jesus’ church is that safe haven and refuge, like Noah’s gigantic ark that stood as witness to God’s grace prior to judgement. Last night I went to my ark and had bible study with my friends of many nationalities. We are all so enriched by the diversity and love. Build the ark my friends.
We can crush the snake, but we must raise our foot and be part of Jesus’ silent revolution to do so. Isaiah spoke of this revolution, and of you and I in Christ releasing it saying, “… he (Messiah) will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets... 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” The victory is sure as we endure in faith.
And God has given us his promise of victory, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet.”
Mark Rusic was born in Melbourne and has a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He became a missionary to many, suffering hardship and poverty on Madura Island in Indonesia, in 1990 for about four years. He worked as a pastor-life coach with Hope International Ministries from 2002 to May 2023, playing a key role in raising up leaders and elders for the local Melbourne Hope church, which lead today. Mark has also been active in conducting yearly trips to remote Indigenous communities, bringing teams for training and outreach, which he initiated from 2015. He also established a salt and light ministry to empower saints of influence in the marketplace from 2017.
Mark is also an artist and an author and has written two books which are both a collection of his own paintings, photography, and poetry. These include ‘Iconic Melbourne of Australia’ and ‘Iconic Animals of Australia- With a voice to release your giant potential within,’ which are available now on booktopia.com.au and at leading book retailers. He has been counted among some of Australia’s best authors on several occasions through Dymocks since 2014 and continues to be a motivational speaker in various community groups, organisations, and churches.
He is currently pioneering his itinerant ministry to bless Indigenous people and empower the body of Christ, while working as an artist, author and speaker.
