by Joshua Robertson
Pastor, The Rock Church, Harrisburg, PA
History has a handful of people that have elevated to a point of love, the effort of peace, and service to humanity that we, as a people, have rightfully given them distinction, esteem, and notoriety. These men and women are somewhat of a cloud of witnesses that hovers over the human experience. Histories litany of love warriors and peace fighters serve as examples, encouragers, models, but not only that, they serve as human canvas’ that we can lovingly examine, critique, and even disagree with, in order to engage one another in insightful dialogue that prayerfully leads to progressive change. As Christians, we must be at the forefront of progressive change as it relates to the societal issues and evils that we face in this world. As Christians, we must lift our prophetic voices in righteous indignation whenever we witness the cruelties of sin evidenced in the lives of people in our world. As Christians, we must intentionally, strategically, and critically engage our history so we can discover the treasures of wisdom that our ancestors have left for us to learn from.
“This annual day of celebration, I pray, serves as a reminder and an encouragement, to fight for the cause of Christ, which is peace with God, and peace with one another.”
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of history’s peace fighters and love warriors that deserves annual recognition and acknowledgment. His life and legacy contain values that we, as American citizens, should applaud, and then adorn. The prophetic voice and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led people to live in freedom spaces outside of the limiting norms that society dictated for people of color, and beyond. He encouraged and inspired leaders to courageously lead people in ways which were unpopular; his prophetic fire challenged the worldview of those that were silently complicit in the societal evils that plagued the plight of Black people. His prophetic courage was used to fight the oppressive apparatus of the American empire; an empire that has perpetuated systemic racism and oppression, through government, politics, and policy. Sadly, he even had to use this prophetic courage to challenge church leaders to stand on the right side of the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ. His harrowing letter to the clergy leaders from the Birmingham jail rings true and loudly, even today. As a clergyman, he challenged church leaders to lead the people of God to see every human body and soul as one that has been created in the likeness and image of God.
Theologically, there are some who may have our differences with Dr. King’s understanding and preaching of Scripture. Some argue that his commitment to biblical orthodoxy was lacking; but, when one examines his commitment to biblical orthopraxy, his work and love for the dignity of humanity is commendable and inspiring. As Christian ministers and people, we should esteem biblical orthodoxy, it is critically important to the integrity of our understanding of God, and the ministry of Jesus Christ that has been given to His church; but we must also hold the same standard and concern for orthopraxy. In other words, we must stay true to the infallible and inerrant word of GOD, as written; but we must also adorn the Gospel that we preach in the spaces in which we live. We must live out what we hold to be true in our hearts concerning the Gospel. We must serve the purpose of God, in the earth. God’s desire is that all would come to saving faith in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 2:11-22; Jesus Christ came and made peace between humanity and God. Jesus Christ made peace between the two opposing groups known as the Jews and Gentiles. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one that championed the cause of peace; Dr. King lived a life of courage evidenced by love. Because of his great love for God, he fought to the point of death to break down the diving wall of racism between Black and White people in America.
The question that we have to ask ourselves today, in this 21st Century, that is full of political unrest, racial tension, inequity amongst equals, a global health crisis, and beyond, is this: are we going to continue the legacy of prophetic leadership that we see evidenced in the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? It is imperative that we make a courageous decision to continue his legacy of prophetic leadership. Why? Because when we choose to lead courageously, we give our people a chance to ignore the voices that arise for sound bites and popularity. When we choose to lead courageously, we give our people courage to live justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly. When we lead courageously, we give our people godly guidance that strives for dignity, hope, and above all unity with God and one another. The truth of the matter is this: prophetic leadership and courage take strength, truth takes time, wisdom is discerned, and action must be intentional. Without courageous leaders that wisely stand on truth during times that require action, the evils that dominate our people’s thinking will bleed through generations through the systems that have proven to be complicit, stagnant, but also comfortable and subconsciously accepted.
Dr. King’s prophetic voice, and therefore prophetic leadership challenged White and Black Americans to see the inherent value and dignity of all people. The grave task of prophetic leaders requires us to live courageously, and to use our voice and leadership positions to speak God’s truth, which is God’s character, purpose, and plan, revealed through Scripture, to the people of God. As God’s prophets, we must work while it is day to influence and inspire our world to see beyond the cultural winds that shift the focus of a generation of people, who are easily seduced by what is acclaimed, and therefore popular to the culture.We have a job to do, for Christ’s sake. This annual day of celebration, I pray, serves as a reminder and an encouragement, to fight for the cause of Christ, which is peace with God, and peace with one another.
In Christ,
Pastor Joshua Robertson