Home is where you get the jokes.

But what happens when no one’s home? Or, at least, home has changed so dramatically that it is barely recognizable?

The nation’s steadily rising number of minorities now makes up 35% of the U.S. population – and is headed to overtake whites by mid-century. Minorities are having more babies quicker as boomers amble beyond childbearing years. Today four states have minority populations that exceed 50% and the majority of children in California and New Mexico now identify as Hispanic. We are all realizing that the engine for future growth in our country will be younger minorities.

On the surface we may welcome and invite this rainbow mix, but deep down, perhaps even unconsciously, many Caucasians wrestle with the loss of white hegemony – the surrendering of power and status – as we see more Latinos in our neighborhoods, more Asians in our schools, even a black man in the White House.

Yet this is an unprecedented opportunity to show forth the glory of Christ through the unity we have in Him. How we ‘do’ church in this diverse and transitional environment gives us the chance to witness to our core conviction that Christ came for the whole world – not just the majority.

This Sunday, as we hear the story of Jesus’ healing of a demon-possessed man, we consider this a testimony to his Messiahship. Countless numbers become alerted to Christ’s ministry as, ‘his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region.’

We will consider this fame as not limited to skin color, economic status, or ethnicity. The wildfire message of Jesus unites all who seek healing and wholeness for the sick and broken. And it is in this unity in Christ and His power that we who transition through unprecedented cultural change, are keen to tap into. We pray to move beyond our biases and judgmental stereotypes and deeper into that unity in Christ that helps us, ‘strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.’

In what ways do we need to offer up our fear of a changing world to a God who unites all in the power of Christ?

Reading

Matterhorn – Karl Marlantes

The Witness of Preaching – Thomas Long

Labor in Detroit – Smith/Featherstone