Racial Reconciliation: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

They hate sheepherders

prej•u•dice (prĕj´ə-dĭs) n. An adverse opinion or judgment formed beforehand, without knowledge of or examination of the facts.

It’s fairly easy to spot prejudice in others, not quite so easy in yourself. Prejudice comes from arrogance of tribe, laziness of inquiry, desire for power over others, and unwillingness to share a place in the game. Satan despises the human race, and it brings his twisted mind a sick joy to get us to do the same.

Prejudice has been around a long time. Assistant Pharaoh Joseph, originally from Canaan and now residing in the royal palaces of Egypt, explained to his Canaanite brothers why the Egyptians would leave them alone if they moved to the Nile delta region of Goshen: “ . . . you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians”(Genesis 46:34).

Why pick on sheepherders? What’s not to like about wool and lamb chops? Prejudices aren’t logical. But they are certainly hurtful. As God’s agents of reconciliation in his broken world, you and I can make a difference in our circles by opening up our minds to see value in people not like us. Each of us has gaps and holes in his or her cultural heritage. By bonding with others, we become richer and more complete.