Yesterday, I led the invocation for SOMC's Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon. Prior to the event, I pulled up a copy of MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech for review. As I read the words, I was moved by the message afresh. MLK, the Civil Rights Movement's greatest leader, is known as an inspirational orator and for promoting nonviolent opposition. His words were powerful. They shaped a movement that changed our nation. What struck me, in re-reading his speech, was the degree to which his words were rooted in biblical themes.
Bill Gnade has written an excellent post on Martin Luther King, Jr. In it he refers to MLK as a theologian. He writes about this national holiday, "It is a holiday celebrating the liberating power of the Gospel,..." Please take the time to read it.
In our thinking about reaching out to the needs within our congregation, we should remember that the power is God's. The best we can achieve is to align ourselves with His will. When our goals and priorities align with His, we can expect the Spirit to move within us. God is very much at work in our world. We should seek, as a congregation, to join in the work.
The conceptual leap from MLK to congregational benevolence may seem to be lacking an appropriate transition. I relate them by the theme of liberation. The gospel is a message, infused with power, about liberation. The Civil Rights Movement reflects a dimension of that liberation. As we address the needs of others, we too are engaging in the work of liberation. Of course there is no greater liberation than that afforded to us by the cross of Jesus Christ, liberation from the wages of sin.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Some late coming thoughts from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I think they erred in naming the holiday after MLK. Please don't misunderstand, I don't intend to denigrate or deny the importance of the ideals he stood for, those concepts are exceedingly worthy of a holiday and a celebration. I just think more folks would get into the spirit of it if they had called it "Civil Rights Day" or something of that nature.
Unfortunately, a lot of folks tend to focus more on the man rather than the idea and the great awakening that he inspired.
Something I have always loved, is the way MLK gave that speech; the sound/tone in his voice. He was inspired and empowered by the spirit of God. Any time I've heard even small sections of that speech, I feel bolder and more inspired to do something to my the world a better place. I just love his presentation of the truth.
I suppose that may be why so many people tend to "worship" the man instead of the ideals he presented. People, unfortunately, tend to always worship "the man" instead of the one who sent the message to begin with....God. I think a good example of this is how people respond to my favorite singer, David Phelps. People are completely taken aback at the vocal talent he has. He is amazing when he sings, but his God is greater than he is!
Excellent post.
I enjoyed reading Mr. Gnade's blog, he had some wonderful thoughts.
Your very welcome!
Post a Comment