Complete Justice

In the early ’60s, at the height of the civil rights movement, a group of white ministers issued a public statement urging Dr. Martin Luther King, in the name of the Christian faith, to be more patient in his quest for justice and to relax the relentless struggle for civil rights.

King’s response came in the form of the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In the letter, King indicated that he had received similar requests for delay, indeed, that he had just gotten a letter from a “white brother in Texas” who wrote, “… It is possible you are in too great a religious hurry … The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth.”

Dr. King replied that such an attitude stemmed from a sad misunderstanding of time, the notion that time itself cures all ills. Time, King argued, could be used for good or for evil. Human progress, he said, is not inevitable, but rather … it comes through the tireless efforts of men (and women) willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”

King knew that complete justice must await the coming of God.

So did Luke. Watch and read Luke 2:28-35:

As we continue to become more in tune with God’s presence in our daily lives, let’s respond in ways that reflect the love of Jesus. As we respond to God’s claim on our lives, we too, are invited to be people who seek justice.

May it be so.

Prayer for today: O God, in Jesus, you have told us that the time is ripe to do right. In the name of Jesus empower us to live as righteous doers of your way, truth, and life. When it’s all been said and done, There is just one thing that matters, Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for You? O God, by your grace, help me live my life for you in relationship with all the people you love. Amen