Last Sunday I mentioned the new Memorial in Washington D.C. dedicated to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In an article written by Cornel West, professor at Princeton, it is noted that not long before he was murdered, Dr. King said that his dream for a more democratic America had become "a nightmare." Why? Because of the continuing presence of "racism, poverty, militarism and materialism" in American life. Here’s something interesting: According to the article, on the Sunday after his assassination, King planned to preach a sermon titled "Why America May Go to Hell." I always think my sermon titles lack imagination. King’s title is truly provocative! However, as West points out, "King did not think that America ought to go to hell, but rather that it might go to hell owing to its economic injustice, cultural decay and political paralysis." Cornel West (who has some radical political ideas that I certainly think would be disastrous for America) calls King “a courageous and visionary Christian blues man, fighting with style and love in the face of…catastrophes he identified." Who can argue with that? The Memorial honoring Dr. King is based on his words “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
It is certainly a beautiful image and one worth honoring. This is especially true because ultimately hope is found only in Christ, of whom the Scriptures say: “And his name will be the hope of all the world”(Matthew 12:21 NLT).
Whether or not America may to go to hell is an interesting question. Of course, the Bible tells us that salvation is an individual matter. Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) says “…It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Interestingly, Jesus speaks of judging the nations (see Matthew 25:31-46), but the bottom line reference must be to all the people of the world. Perhaps America can go to hell figuratively, but in likelihood only if there are a lot of individuals headed that direction as well! The political paralysis, cultural decay, and economic injustice Dr. King spoke of are certainly with us in abundance today, but so is a devastating secularism and departure from a host of biblical values. The answer is always found in people turning or returning to the Lord, and allowing his Holy Spirit to fill and direct their lives in a way that transforms our culture.
This Sunday will be a great day at Crosswalk! It is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America. Personally I think it is a shame to speak only of the “tragic events” of that day. Let’s call it what it is. We will honor those who died on that day and look at some enduring lessons for us. This will be in the context of a fascinating passage from Mark chapter 2 which indicates the type of people who Jesus came to save.
We kicked off our Wednesday Night Dinners and classes last night. The food was good, the company was fantastic, and we celebrated Perry Williams' 98 birthday with candles and cake and ice cream! If you missed the fun plan on joining us next week! Blessings on all who are committed to being in a small group or class in order to grow your faith!
Hope to see you Sunday,
Pastor John
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