Psalms: 25
Old Testament: Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23
New Testament: Ephesians 4:1-16

But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Today is Martin Luther King Day….and it’s kind of appropriate that this reading from Ephesians shows up in the lectionary today.

One of the things that often gets missed when talking about Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement, is that MLK was a Baptist minister. All of his speeches, letters, and actions are deeply rooted in Gospel convictions.

His dream of a nation united, of blacks and whites holding hands was about building a nation where everyone was connected to each other….where peace and love would take the place of hatred and bigotry.

His vision was very much based on the Reign of Christ…..and the “I Have a Dream Speech” is filled with Biblical allusions and metaphors.

May we all take some time today to give thanks for the life, witness, and hope that Martin Luther King Jr. brought to this world…..and may we hold on to his dream, and never let it go. +