I remember vividly the first time Debbie and I encountered the Roma people. In 1987 we were part of a summer InterVarsity team serving a pastor in NE Hungary. Part of this pastor’s work included outreach among the Roma. Debbie had the opportunity to visit women in their homes, while I worked alongside them in construction projects.
This pastor loved the Roma—something we later learned was rather unique among Hungarians. The vast majority of Hungarians looked down on the “Gypsies” with disgust. They were associated with crime, begging, dirtiness, and stupidity. Their name alone, meaning “untouchables,” captured the distance most Hungarians preferred to keep from them.
Flash forward to the 2000s—a dear group of Roma believers from Ukraine visited our church in Budapest. As we worshiped together and heard their powerful testimonies, many Hungarian hearts were deeply impacted. Their prejudice and misconceptions collapsed. A partnership was born that weekend between two churches that would bring many shared blessings over the years to come.
“He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, city of God:
‘I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me–
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush–
And will say, ‘This one was born in Zion’” (Psalm 87:1–4).
Zion—the city on the holy mountain…a mountain of holiness…Jerusalem.
City of God—a double reference to the New Jerusalem…the Church…the city above.
Rahab (Egypt)…Babylon (Iraq)…Philistia…Tyre (Lebanon)…Cush (Sudan/Ethiopia)... What do all these places have in common for the psalmist? They’re all enemies of Israel. And they’re Gentiles! Why will it be said that all of these Gentile enemies of Israel were “born” in Zion? What a disturbing image this must have been for the ancient readers of this psalm! What is the psalmist thinking? What is God thinking?
God is thinking what he planned from the beginning—that Abraham’s descendants would be a blessing to ALL PEOPLES on earth (Gen. 12:1–3). This relatively unknown psalm reiterates the prophetic promises seen throughout the Old Testament—pointing to a future where all peoples, Jews and Gentiles, would dwell together in Zion, the holiest of cities where God dwells. And that they would be “born” again to join that community of God worshipers.
Whether it’s Jews and Gentiles, Romas and Hungarians, Indians and Pakistanis, or Ukrainians and Russians, Jesus works to break down barriers and create a Church of all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages. A gospel truly for ALL people—may we be his instruments as we join him in this work!
Here’s a little taste of diverse peoples worshiping together:
Reflection:
In the context where you live and serve, who are the people whom it’s hard to imagine “being together” in Zion? Pray that God will break through remaining prejudices, misconceptions and strongholds to bring change!
What excites you about these prophetic promises? How is Jesus calling you today to join him in something new in pursuit of this vision?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bobby Booze and his wife, Debbie, have been with Novo for 27 years. They served in Budapest, Hungary for 22 years and now live in Greensboro, NC. Alongside their local ministry among refugees, Bobby serves as a mentor for Novo staff working cross-culturally and helps with CoNext’s coordination and expansion.