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For the Son of man is come
to seek and to save that which was lost.
(Luke 19:10)
"That which was lost" includes the people of all races. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the black man as well as the white man, and the white man as well as the black man. He shed His blood for all, and He invites all to believe and be saved. Christ's command to His church is also clear and emphatic: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" [Matthew 28:19-20]
The fact that Christ spoke to Caucasians in giving the Great Commission does not mean that He loved them more, nor that the Gospel was to be preached only to them. The early Christians understood this, for Philip preached the glad tidings of the crucified Savior to the man of Ethiopia, the treasurer of Queen Candace, who was a Negro (Acts 8:27). Ever since, there have been believing children of God with black skin in the Christian Church, and among them there were faithful pastors and bishops of great piety. Also the Christian Church today is concerned, and must be concerned, about the cruel spiritual bondage of unbelief, superstition, and vice among the Negroes, as it must be concerned about the same conditions among the Caucasian and other races.
All need the saving and uplifting Gospel of Christ, and those who have this Gospel must bring it in increasing measure to those who do not have it. Mission work among the Negroes is the clear will of our God and Savior, as is all other mission work. The converting and sanctifying Gospel alone has divine power to lift the unconverted person out of moral degradation, out of sinful pride or indifference, and out of damning unbelief into the joy of forgiveness and of eternal salvation. The Christian work among the Negroes has enjoyed God's blessings, as the teaching of His Word enjoys His blessings everywhere. Let us gladly support this work with our prayers and our contributions.
Sound we forth the Gospel tidings
To the earth's remotest bound
That the sinner has been pardoned
And forgiveness can be found.
Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Amen.
[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
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