Learn from the Witness of Martyrs
I attended a commemoration service for Martin Luther King Jr. last night in East Cleveland. Earlier that same day I read a headline on Yahoo News that said "Blacks more likely to remember MLK Day - Poll." I think it is sad that in 2006 the remembrance of Martin Luther King is for the most part limited to those who are African American. I would estimate that the assembly at last night's service was 90% African American: this for an event sponsored by a Lutheran synod that is 95% white.
When it says in Hebrews that "since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us," Martin Luther King is one of those witnesses. His witness of Christ and action among God's children during his life is an inspiration for us who continue to proclaim Christ today. His proclamation of the Gospel resulted in him being killed. He is a martyr for the faith and we can learn greatly through his witness.
As I journey on in faith, I am thankful for the great cloud of witnesses who surround me and teach me. Though he died four years before I was born Martin Luther King teaches me that Christ's cross is for all children of all races. He teaches me how to be a disciple with courage and perseverance even when others hate you. He teaches me that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. He teaches me that all people are capable of great things if they allow God to lead.
I'm sure Martin Luther King often prayed the words of Psalm 121 as his own. "I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." May I be courageous enough to pray these words with you Martin.
I attended a commemoration service for Martin Luther King Jr. last night in East Cleveland. Earlier that same day I read a headline on Yahoo News that said "Blacks more likely to remember MLK Day - Poll." I think it is sad that in 2006 the remembrance of Martin Luther King is for the most part limited to those who are African American. I would estimate that the assembly at last night's service was 90% African American: this for an event sponsored by a Lutheran synod that is 95% white.
When it says in Hebrews that "since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us," Martin Luther King is one of those witnesses. His witness of Christ and action among God's children during his life is an inspiration for us who continue to proclaim Christ today. His proclamation of the Gospel resulted in him being killed. He is a martyr for the faith and we can learn greatly through his witness.
As I journey on in faith, I am thankful for the great cloud of witnesses who surround me and teach me. Though he died four years before I was born Martin Luther King teaches me that Christ's cross is for all children of all races. He teaches me how to be a disciple with courage and perseverance even when others hate you. He teaches me that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. He teaches me that all people are capable of great things if they allow God to lead.
I'm sure Martin Luther King often prayed the words of Psalm 121 as his own. "I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." May I be courageous enough to pray these words with you Martin.
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