Moving Beyond “Us” and “Them”
We live in a world of divisions. They may not always be visible, but they are real. We create mental and social walls between “us” and “them,” often without even realizing it. “We” live in one kind of neighborhood, while “they” live in another. “We” believe in God, but “they” don’t. “We” have our values, but “they” have theirs. This kind of thinking has existed for generations, shaping societies, cultures, and even our faith.
But what if God is calling us to tear down those walls?
Asa and the Invitation That Shook a Kingdom
In 1 Kings 15, we meet Asa, the king of Judah. Asa was not content with keeping his faith confined to his own people. He understood that worshiping the one true God was not just for Judah but for all who were willing to follow Him. So, he did something bold—he invited the Israelites living in the northern kingdom to come to Jerusalem and take part in the religious festivals.
The response was overwhelming. People came in droves. The invitation to worship the true God broke through national and tribal barriers, and those who had been considered “them” became part of “us.”
But not everyone was happy about it.
Baasha, the king of Israel, saw what was happening and panicked. He realized that too many of his people were being drawn to Judah’s revival, and he couldn’t afford to lose them. So, he built a fortress at Ramah—a literal stone curtain—to stop his people from crossing into Asa’s kingdom. He tried to put an end to the movement of God.
A Wall to Keep People Away from God
Baasha’s strategy was not new. Throughout history, people have built walls—both literal and figurative—to keep others away from God’s truth. Some of these barriers are political, some are cultural, and some are religious. The enemy knows that when people hear the truth, they are drawn to it. So, he works to keep them locked away in deception, fear, and division.
But Asa did something remarkable. Instead of attacking Baasha directly, he took a different approach. He formed an alliance with the Arameans, who then attacked Israel from another front. This forced Baasha to abandon his fortress, and when he did, Asa and his men dismantled it—stone by stone. What had been built to separate people from worshiping God was literally torn down and removed.
What Walls Are We Building?
This story carries a powerful message for us today. Just like in Asa’s time, we live in a world full of “us” and “them” thinking. Whether it’s based on race, politics, socioeconomic status, or even church traditions, we are quick to define who is inside and who is outside.
But the gospel is not about exclusion—it’s about invitation. Jesus Himself crossed every dividing line. He spoke with Samaritans, dined with sinners, healed outsiders, and called tax collectors and fishermen alike to follow Him. He didn’t reinforce walls; He tore them down.
And yet, even as followers of Christ, we sometimes find ourselves building walls instead of bridges. We let differences define our relationships. We keep our faith to ourselves rather than inviting others in. We assume that “they” won’t understand or accept the truth. But the story of Asa reminds us that when we extend the invitation, people respond. They come. The harvest is plentiful.
Breaking Down the Walls in Our Lives
So, what are the modern “stone curtains” that separate people from God today?
Cultural and Social Barriers – Do we allow race, nationality, or social status to shape how we share our faith?
Religious Elitism – Do we see some people as “too far gone” to receive God’s grace?
Fear of Rejection – Are we hesitant to share the gospel because we’re afraid of what people might think?
Political Divides – Have we made our faith more about political identity than about Jesus?
If Asa had let fear or division keep him from inviting people to worship, many would have missed out on revival. But he didn’t. He extended the invitation and trusted that God would move hearts.
Personal Application: Are We Willing to Invite?
The challenge for us is simple: Are we willing to reach across the borders in our lives? Are we willing to invite others into the presence of God?
The great evangelist D.L. Moody once said:
“Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the other ninety-nine will read the Christian.”
That means the way we live, love, and invite others matters. People are watching. And when they see something real, something true, something that offers hope—they will come.
C.S. Lewis put it this way:
“The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time.” (Mere Christianity)
A Final Thought: The Walls Must Come Down
The stone curtain that Baasha built was meant to keep people away from worshiping God, but in the end, it was torn down. The walls we create—whether intentionally or unintentionally—must also come down. The gospel is for everyone, and the only thing standing between “us” and “them” is an invitation.
Jesus didn’t die for a select group—He died for the world. And He calls us to share that message freely, to break down barriers, and to invite others into the joy of knowing Him.
Who in your life needs to hear that invitation? Who is waiting for someone to say, “Come, be part of this”?
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Related Article:
Breaking Down Walls in Evangelism – The Gospel Coalition
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