April 4, 2018 is 50 years since Martin Luther King Jr.’s passing. Rightfully, many grieve the reality that our nation still experiences tension and trials of racism. Today continues the echo of King’s last sermon saying, 

“We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life — longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Let us affirm the repentance of past actions and continue the work of repentance from present attitudes.
Let us crucify the flesh of debate and hate, in order to listen, learn, and love one another.
Let us seek reconciliation and unity in diversity among a divided nation.
Let us pursue justice for all people, regardless of skin color or social class.
And let the people of God lead the way in humility and hope that comes from the Lord Jesus who entered a sin-sick world, engaged a sin-sick people, and yielded His power to wash feet and die on a cross. May our efforts of justice model sacrifice and compassion for people who matter in the eyes of God.