13 You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.
15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
God desires for us to walk in His righteousness and justice, implementing His principles and speaking His truth. We can see the evidence of His strong hand as we are dedicated to seeing Him manifested through us. We are called to build our lives on the foundation of His truth and walk according to His principles. He desires to teach us His ways so that we may abide in His light and see Him glorified through us.
+++++
In 2nd Timothy 2, we read about the importance of a solid foundation - principles we can incorporate in our individual lives, as well as our communities and our society:
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
It's actually been quite a day in Montgomery, as people have come together to celebrate the conclusion of the Selma-to-Montgomery March 50 years ago today, with a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was re-enacted by his daughter earlier today.
In his speech on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol that day, Dr. King responded to those who would call for the so-called "civil rights agitators" to leave and for Alabama to return to normalcy. From the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, here are some excerpts from that speech:
It is normalcy all over our country (Yes, sir) which leaves the Negro perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of vast ocean of material prosperity. It is normalcy all over Alabama (Yeah) that prevents the Negro from becoming a registered voter. (Yes) No, we will not allow Alabama (Go ahead) to return to normalcy. [Applause]
The only normalcy that we will settle for (Yes, sir) is the normalcy that recognizes the dignity and worth of all of God’s children. The only normalcy that we will settle for is the normalcy that allows judgment to run down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. (Yes, sir) The only normalcy that we will settle for is the normalcy of brotherhood, the normalcy of true peace, the normalcy of justice.
Later in the speech, Dr. King said:
Step by step, over the past 50 years, America has attempted to deal with racial issues - there has been progress, but there is still much to do. In the city of Ferguson, Missouri, churches in the area are taking deliberate and incremental action, which can serve as a reminder that there is a process to bringing hope to our communities and healing where there has been division and strife. And, the resolution of racial tensions is a topic area into which the church can speak powerfully.
According to a Baptist Press article, an "Adopt a Block" initiative is now underway in Ferguson. Pastor Stoney Shaw of First Baptist Church said that the initiative is a "a good, simple plan."
The article reported that Shaw told The Pathway, newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention that, "We want to join with other churches and minister. Walking the streets and praying is a simple yet powerful plan." The new Adopt a Block initiative is being led by Jose Aguayo, a chaplain with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team and pastor of Dorea Ministries in Ferguson.
Shaw noted in written comments to Baptist Press March 20, "We have been an outreaching church for a long time, but this is a steady outreach to the same block or area of our community either weekly or every other week. We hope to get to know people on our block of ministry -- to pray for each person and anything that is important to them and to develop a relationship with each one as we go back. After a few times we will actually know who we are relating to...."
Block. By block. That's the model in Ferguson that churches are undertaking. It's the model for change for the better in our society. Dr. King understood that concept of incremental change. Those that gathered at Alabama State earlier today to discuss criminal justice reform and youth empowerment understand it. Those church leaders representing millions of ministries, churches, and denominations who gathered under the banner of The Reconciled Church understand it. It's block by block. Brick by brick in building a secure wall. It's about constructing a society on a firm foundation. And, we know as Christians that the firmest foundation is that of Jesus Christ, who said that upon the rock, the rock of His truth, He will build His church. We, as believers, have to be intentional to address the needs of our culture and to speak and live truth, recognizing that God's principles are reliable and powerful.
I know you are asking today, "How long will it take?" (Speak, sir) Somebody’s asking, "How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding, and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne?" Somebody’s asking, "When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets of Selma and Birmingham and communities all over the South, be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men?" Somebody’s asking, "When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, (Speak, speak, speak) plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, (Speak) and truth bear it?" (Yes, sir)
I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, (Yes, sir) however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, (No sir) because "truth crushed to earth will rise again." (Yes, sir)
How long? Not long, (Yes, sir) because "no lie can live forever." (Yes, sir)
How long? Not long, (All right. How long) because "you shall reap what you sow." (Yes, sir)He concluded with words from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and the phrase, "His truth is marching on."
Step by step, over the past 50 years, America has attempted to deal with racial issues - there has been progress, but there is still much to do. In the city of Ferguson, Missouri, churches in the area are taking deliberate and incremental action, which can serve as a reminder that there is a process to bringing hope to our communities and healing where there has been division and strife. And, the resolution of racial tensions is a topic area into which the church can speak powerfully.
According to a Baptist Press article, an "Adopt a Block" initiative is now underway in Ferguson. Pastor Stoney Shaw of First Baptist Church said that the initiative is a "a good, simple plan."
The article reported that Shaw told The Pathway, newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention that, "We want to join with other churches and minister. Walking the streets and praying is a simple yet powerful plan." The new Adopt a Block initiative is being led by Jose Aguayo, a chaplain with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team and pastor of Dorea Ministries in Ferguson.
Teams of several church members will adopt a block in Ferguson for ongoing outreach. Aguayo is quoted as saying, "This is a point of connection with the community and a way to show love," adding, "We want to establish a relationship with the people in the neighborhood." In the beginning, Aguayo said, the visitation will involve an introduction -- "a hello with prayer." As relationships develop, Aguayo noted that "discipleship will follow. Eventually sports teams, community outings and study assistance for children and adults will take place." He said that Adopt a Block is a ministry model begun about 20 years ago at the Dream Center in Los Angeles, part of a network of ministries nationally.
Shaw noted in written comments to Baptist Press March 20, "We have been an outreaching church for a long time, but this is a steady outreach to the same block or area of our community either weekly or every other week. We hope to get to know people on our block of ministry -- to pray for each person and anything that is important to them and to develop a relationship with each one as we go back. After a few times we will actually know who we are relating to...."
Block. By block. That's the model in Ferguson that churches are undertaking. It's the model for change for the better in our society. Dr. King understood that concept of incremental change. Those that gathered at Alabama State earlier today to discuss criminal justice reform and youth empowerment understand it. Those church leaders representing millions of ministries, churches, and denominations who gathered under the banner of The Reconciled Church understand it. It's block by block. Brick by brick in building a secure wall. It's about constructing a society on a firm foundation. And, we know as Christians that the firmest foundation is that of Jesus Christ, who said that upon the rock, the rock of His truth, He will build His church. We, as believers, have to be intentional to address the needs of our culture and to speak and live truth, recognizing that God's principles are reliable and powerful.
No comments:
Post a Comment