Black Lives Matter – The Christian Response

Exodus 1:15-22

It is against the teachings of Jesus Christ to devalue the life of another human being because of race. Yet, many professing Christians deny racism as being inextricably woven into the fabric of America. Denial does not diminish nor dismiss reality. The reality is, racism is alive but denied as a motive in instances where African Americans have been killed. Many “so called” Christians have remained silent about what has unfolded in the media within the two years.

The killing of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls, immigration reform, the global response to Ebola and recently the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice has sent a clear message to America that Black life does not matter. When Black life has been terminated it seems to be justified and almost viewed as a remedy to bring utopia; even if the act was video taped proving the victim’s innocence; “ media spin” seems to prevail. Racism has not disappeared but has taken on a new form. It is in an odorless and tasteless form. In 2015, it is like carbon monoxide, you can’t taste it or smell it but you can feel it and the results are deadly.

Exodus 1:15-23 highlights an indecent human proposition that to some all lives do not matter. Yet, it teaches a Christian response to racism when confronted with it.

The Egyptian government sought to destroy the lives of Hebrew boys upon birth. The king of Egypt found it difficult to maintain the status quo because Hebrew Israelites multiplied quickly. The Hebrew Israelites were forced into slavery. The killing of the Hebrew baby boys would assure Egypt the “upper hand”.

Two midwives named Shiphrah and Puah found themselves in a precarious ethical situation. They were instructed by the King to kill all Hebrew boys at birth. They feared God and disobeyed. The king called for the midwives, and asked, “Why have you disobeyed me?” Their response was, “The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women. They give birth quick before the we can get to them.” God dealt well with the midwives, protected them and blessed them with children.

What is the Christian response to devaluation of life?

Chose Righteousness Over Rituals

These two women did not acquiesce to the status quo. They chose righteousness over the routine system of that day. Just because someone in authority makes a command it does not mean that it is the right thing to do.

Respect the Fear of God More Than the Retribution of Man

They feared God (verse 17). Their faith and fear of God inspired them to do what was right. When the fear of God is present in ones life it sets a standard in place.

Chose to Protest Rather than Participate

           The women made a choice not to participate in devaluing life and protested. Wherever there are injustices there must be protest. All lives matter yet it is clear that “black lives” have been devalued and if Christians do not protest for the value of Black life they participate in the devaluation of it.

Recognize A Distorted View of the Divine

The king had a distorted view of God and life. The women recognized that God was not in agreement with this cruel act against humanity. God has no respecter of person. Whenever one race elevates them over another race it is not Christian.

Improving My Serve!

Dr. Oscar T. Moses