In Tobit 5:15–16, Tobit asks the man who wants to accompany his son:
« Which family or which tribe are you from? » (Tobit 5 : 16)
And the man replies:
« Do you seek the family of the one you hire, or else the hired hand himself, to go with your son? » (Tobit 5 : 17)
In those days, a person’s tribe revealed almost everything: reputation, reliability, and background. Tobit’s question came from prudence, a father’s desire to protect his son.
But the man’s response — the angel Raphael in disguise — points to a deeper truth: what God plans in someone’s life does not depend on their tribe.
With the coming of Jesus Christ, this truth shines even brighter. The Gospel declares:
“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Our true identity no longer comes from bloodline but from the new birth.
Trust is no longer built on origins, but on:
integrity,
the fear of God,
love,
faithfulness to the Word.
Even today, many remain victims of ethnic divisions and tribal barriers. But Raphael’s answer still speaks powerfully:
“What does my tribe matter to you?”
In Christ, tribe no longer defines the person.
The Kingdom of God has no borders, and its children have no walls between them.
We are called to discern with wisdom…
But to love without walls.
For in Christ, we are all brothers.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me see beyond tribes and origins.
Fill me with love that unites and a faith that transcends all boundaries.
Make me an instrument of peace and unity.
Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA