Our world is radically different than it was when Dr. King was living. A professor was asked what would President Lincoln say to forced busing. The professor replied, “Lincoln would have said, ‘What’s a bus?’” The world was radically different for Dr. King than it was when Lincoln made the emancipation proclamation. The problem remains the same though, the sin in human hearts.

God used MLK in his day, and He used Fredrick Douglass in his day. Fredrick Douglass saved his harshest words for slave holders for there “corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity.” He knew that the most corrupt were often churchgoers. It reminds me of the time Jesus cast the devil out of a man in synagogue. That problem is still with us as well, people who keep the outward forms of true religion but within are held captive by evil.

When I took the photo above with my iPhone during a nighttime tour of the United States Monuments in Washington, I remember reflecting on the continued challenges that confront us on racial respect, resolution, and reconciliation. My wife reflected on the fact that the monument was designed to be unfinished as a reminder that racial equality is still a work in progress. I will not solve the problem. However, I am determined to be a part of the solution. I read these words to myself out loud today.

“No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT

The leaders of the nations should know what is right, be merciful, and walk humbly before the Lord. Pastors in pulpits around the world must lead people in the ways of Christ through preaching and example. And the people of the world must humble themselves before the Lord and walk righteously with God and one another. Why, because Jesus Christ who fulfilled the prophecies of the Bible has come. He offers new life, hope, and salvation. We can trust Him. Read this next passage carefully.

“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 NLT

Jesus, the Messiah, fulfilled the prophecies, but he also walked this earth doing what was right, loving mercy, and walking humbly, all the way to the cross and bursting forth from the grave on Resurrection Sunday. Should we not trust in Him, walk with one another, knowing that one day we too, will be buried and rise again because He keeps His promises.

Jesus came to bring salvation to all who would trust in Him. He will return to bring judgment upon an unbelieving world. Therefore now is the time to renounce all sin, embrace the Savior, and live in the power of His Holy Spirit to love God and one another. Do right. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God and one another.

I am so grateful for my brothers and sisters from all races. It’s another time in history, but the problem is the same. The answer is still the same. Let us not walk like self centered leaders, but walk with Christ together, even if we walk alone!

Peace!