Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
It was this Monday which the United States of America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr day in memory of the slain civil rights leader. This day was declared a federal legal national holiday in 1983 by then President Ronald Reagan. It was Aug. 28, 1963 when King, who was speaking to hundreds of thousands at the Lincoln Memorial, and millions watching on TV, delivered his unforgettable "I Have A Dream Speech." It was during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-28.
No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free access to God.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 386.
Yet, here we are today, 56 years later, and not only has his dream been unfulfilled, rather the racial tensions have ebbed and flowed from bad to worse. President after President have not been able to unite the states of America, but have created even a greater division than ever before. Racial tensions abound as we are heading to a tipping point of no return. But who is really to blame? Can we place all of the blame on the lawmakers? After all, it is the people who elect them and put them in office to be the voice of the people. The people place their trust in their elected officials. Perhaps this is the crux of the problem. This country was blessed by God to be a great nation. So, what happened? People have forgotten about God.
As the priests and temple officials witnessed this great work, what a revelation to them were the sounds that fell on their ears! The people were relating the story of the pain they had suffered, of their disappointed hopes, of painful days and sleepless nights. When the last spark of hope seemed to be dead, Christ had healed them. The burden was so heavy, one said; but I have found a helper. He is the Christ of God, and I will devote my life to His service. Parents said to their children, He has saved your life; lift up your voice and praise Him. The voices of children and youth, fathers and mothers, friends and spectators, blended in thanksgiving and praise. Hope and gladness filled their hearts. Peace came to their minds. They were restored soul and body, and they returned home, proclaiming everywhere the matchless love of Jesus. {DA 163.2}
The American people have forgotten about God and have relied on their own strength and wisdom to figure things out. They have taken the laissez faire attitude of what will be will be with no regard to morality or upholding God’s laws, which He established for our good. Do not mistake this for what the Pope’s Laudato Si’ calls for the good of the people, or “for the common good”, but what is good and right in the sight of God.
These officials arrayed themselves in rich robes and costly ornaments. They loved display, and hoped to dazzle the people, and thus command greater consideration. They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than to obtain the purity of heart which would win the approval of God. Thus they revealed that their allegiance was not given to God, but to the kingdom of this world. {DA 218.5}
Therefore, God has removed His hand of protection from this country as its’ iniquity abounds.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34
We cannot know how much we owe to Christ for the peace and protection which we enjoy. The restraining power of God prevents mankind from passing fully under the control of Satan. The disobedient and unthankful have great reason for gratitude for God’s mercy. But when men pass the limits of divine forbearance, restraint is removed. God does not stand as an executioner of the sentence against transgression. He leaves the rejectors of His mercy to reap that which they have sown. Every ray of light rejected is a seed sown which yields its unfailing harvest. The Spirit of God, persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn. Then there is left no power to control the evil passions of the soul, no protection from the malice and enmity of Satan. {HF 25.1}
If all were to follow the precepts of God, we can all be united, not only as one nation under God, but as a people, brothers and sisters in the Royal Family of God, making our ultimate destination and home God’s heavenly kingdom. God loves all of His children and calls each and every one of us His heirs. This does not need to be but a dream, but will be our reality if we place all our faith and trust in God. Let God’s Word be the light that shines your path. Confess and repent of your sins for the kingdom of God is at hand.
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:1-2
Related Material:
Is RACISM Right or Wrong? Where Did the Different RACES Come From? | Genesis Under a Microscope E18
Does the Bible Endorse Americanized Slavery?
The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy on Race
How Should We Treat a "Stranger"?
