The Face of Courage: Martin Luther King

The 3rd Monday in January honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, rightfully so. I remember how this honorable, passionate, bold, and courageous “Baptist minister” gave his life to change our world. I remember his words just before his assassination in 1968: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” MLK was in good company with those words. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said “Love your enemies! Bless them that curse you! Do good to them that hate you! Pray for them who spitefully use you and persecute you!” Doesn’t that sound just preposterous? How could I possibly love someone that hurt me or rejected me or cursed me? How impossible those words seem to be! Only through the supernatural power of LOVE — God’s love — can it be possible.

The night before MLK was murdered, he told a crowd of supporters that God had allowed him to reach the mountaintop and see the Promised Land. “I may not get there with you,” he told them. “But I want you to know, tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.” Then he exclaimed, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” The next day, he would see the Lord himself.

There is so much we could say about Dr. King this morning. We could remember his visionary leadership in helping enact some of the most significant civil rights legislation in our nation’s history. We could remember his intellectual brilliance as a world-class theologian and orator. We could remember his sacrificial service on behalf of those he led (he donated nearly all of the $200,000 he received in honorariums each year to his civil rights organization).

Today, however, let’s focus on his remarkable courage. He knew that many were seeking his death but continued forward. He paid for his vision with his life. His courage stands today as a model for all who would serve their Lord and their neighbor with purpose.

Before God sent Joshua out to lead his people into the Promised Land, he challenged him: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (1 Chronicles 28:20). Where do you need the courage of Christ to serve his cause? I know of no better way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than to serve His God.

Thank you, Lord God, for the example of Dr. King who was a man after Your heart for Your people. May we become relentless in our quest to love and serve you with the strength and courage to make a difference in our world too!