On Monday our church office is closed, like much of Detroit, in honor of a man who took the path of nonviolence toward change that is not often seen across the world today. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an American hero, rightly honored with street names, memorials and other tributes across our country, because of the massive impact for good upon this nation. Not a perfect man (none of us are), but definitely one who’s had a lasting impact in our country and beyond.

When I walk from Mariners’ Church to Woodward Ave., I often look over to the life-size statue of MLK in Hart Plaza standing near Cobo Hall (formerly) where, on June 23, 1963, he said many of the words he would later give in his famous “I have a dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  On that day in Detroit, after 125,000 people marched through downtown (maybe some of you were there!), his beautiful words helped rise the tide of justice and awareness and to drown some of the injustice people of color felt, and continue to feel, for centuries.

I fear we have become numb to violence we see all over the world and domestically, getting used to anger and aggression as if necessary for true change.  It is not.  Christ, himself, knew that justice, truth, and beauty are forces in themselves that don’t need a sword or a gun.

Jesus embraced this type of action, motivated by love and nonviolence.  Peter spoke to this specifically when he told us to “follow in his steps”:

It’s easy to forget these words of nonviolence were a core part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  Read in context, it’s exactly why and what MLK led during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Jesus said:

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. (Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount -Matthew 5: 38-44)

When read with care and consideration, these words are stunningly counter-cultural. This is because the words are for those seeking after the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of this world. When placed in a modern situation many would not even consider these actions as viable. Yet this is exactly what the Freedom Marches, lead by Martin Luther King, did. Dr. King famously said, “‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind.”

I am very grateful for those in our country who lead a campaign against racism and injustice so that marriages and families, like mine, could exist.  I am grateful for the courage it took for men and women, black and white, to stand up to violence with non-violent protest simply to be heard and considered, despite the cost of comfort and at times their own lives.

As we honor the enormous contribution of Dr. Martin Luther King made to our country and society, let us pray the words he spoke both in Detroit and DC quoting the prophet Amos:

“That justice would flow down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24)

Pray this water of the Spirit would flow into all the places of violence and hate we see in the world and in our country today.

I urge you to take some time and ask the Lord: what ways can your life shine His Light and be impactful to those around you? As we continue to walk with Christ in learning to love God and neighbors, let’s not forget

“to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice” (Gen. 18:19). 

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd