Remembering MLK - The Man who Pursued Justice and Loved Mercy
Is there still a mandate to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, especially as the "American melting pot/salad bowl" of present-day swelters in a climate that many would say is reverting to old practices of hate, bigotry, racism, indignities against one another humans, and the defacing of constitutionals realities. In recent years the rising action of divisive tensions has tainted the very waters in the streams where many like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have drudged for justice and mercy for all people. These noble works in recent times have been getting a beating with a seeming iron fist of the devaluing of one another and the unholy esteem for one's personal rights over the inalienable rights of our fellow humans.
So to the matter at hand, are we to be still pursuing justice and loving mercy? I believe so, the work is never done in one human man, King ran his leg of his race well in this respect, now it is our turn to take the baton passed to all of us- blacks, whites, browns... and run steady, swift, and sure. Ours, Americans by birth and by documented citizenship, is a legacy to continue in the pursuit of justice for all peoples and ensuring we are mercy bearers to each other on life's journey.
Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
When we allow God's truth to live in us what a beautiful and unified sight to behold. Today we celebrate a giant who walked, worked and lived among us, Dr. Martin Luther Jr. His was a God-given mission and agenda, that was to continue the mandate to lead justice to victory, a continuation of Christ's mission. He, MLK, sought to see that the black man and woman's worth and value were realized in a society that was not just fair, but equal. That the Black experience wasn't second best, or bottom bargain; but an experience that reflected their human dignities and constitutional rights.
Documented well in his " I Have Dream Speech" - 1963, MLK wasn't just about realizing justice and mercy for one group of people. He had a heavenly dream, to see God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, that is, all people of all ethnic backgrounds and nationality live together in unity, conferring honor, recognizing each other's value and worth, and that all peoples be esteemed with dignity as a benchmark of God's design.
What made MLK so powerful and effective as a leader, is that he filtered his work and life through God's standard and word about human worth and dignity. Today, as you quietly reflect upon the life and work of Dr. King, together let's ensure that we are not just doing service to meet the requirements of doing good. But, let's serve up a healthy dose of showing each other - all people- respect, honor, dignity, that is JUSTICE and MERCY.
Caring for the poor, sick, black, brown, white, widowed, orphaned, lost, blind... remembering we all have equal value and worth to God, therefore, we too must lead justice to victory. (Matt 12:20; Is. 42:3)
We now have the baton, let's run well!
A Conversation with Dr. Bernice A. King
Is there still a mandate to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, especially as the "American melting pot/salad bowl" of present-day swelters in a climate that many would say is reverting to old practices of hate, bigotry, racism, indignities against one another humans, and the defacing of constitutionals realities. In recent years the rising action of divisive tensions has tainted the very waters in the streams where many like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have drudged for justice and mercy for all people. These noble works in recent times have been getting a beating with a seeming iron fist of the devaluing of one another and the unholy esteem for one's personal rights over the inalienable rights of our fellow humans.
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