Last year, I compared MLK Day to Christmas. During the advent season, the lights come out of the closet, along with “Silent Night.” Soon after Christmas day, we put it all away, and it doesn’t see daylight again until next December. King Day used to receive the same “seasonal” attention.
But things have changed.
The good news is that King’s message now gets 24X7 365 attention in campaign speeches, office boardrooms, and kitchen tables. The bad news: the response to racial intolerance has gone from “we get it” to: “get over it!”
King’s message is much like a Bill trying to become a law in today’s United States. It is talked about, debated and mulled over; but little changes. Ultimately, those on either side of an issue are more inclined to dig in, and not budge from their position.
Much like King’s message
Earlier this year, professional hockey player Wayne Simmonds, who is black, had a banana peel thrown at him on the ice. Most of those who commented on the article emphatically stated that it wasn’t a big deal; and that blacks need to let it go.
Racism, according to some, has past. Those who still dare to utter the word only use it because they are too lazy, or use it in order to receive a handout.
They need to let it go.
In the Bible, Moses ascended the mountain twice to receive the 10 Commandments. The first time; there was thunder and lightning; the second; there was none, the dispensation of Law had begun. For King’s message, we are no longer under the dispensation of Matthew 25:34-40, we are under the dispensation of capitalism.
Love thy neighbor has been be replaced by lecture thy neighbor on how to get ahead and to quit begging!
In his Sunday message, Bill Hybels, senior pastor at Willow Creek church (http://www.willowcreek.org/ ), spoke of the vision of Christ to have His church be a house of prayer for all nations. (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=11 )
2000 years later; and some still feel uncomfortable in the house (of prayer), and others feel uncomfortable about letting them in.
Thanks Dr. King. You saw the mountain top. We did too, but have chosen to turn around and head home.
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