From the UCC Network: 01/17/2011 "You Can’t Hijack a Legacy"

You Can’t Hijack a Legacy

Excerpt from Hebrews 11:23-31

“By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned.”

Reflection by Lillian Daniel

It seems that on Martin Luther King Day, the list of groups claiming his legacy gets more bizarre each year. Organizations that appear to have nothing in common with his vision of justice broadcast clips of his great speeches at their events.

At other times, his legacy seems to get twisted into something much tamer and more manageable than the man himself. There are calls to spend the day volunteering, which is certainly better than spending the day shopping. But perhaps the best thing we could do is remember Dr King’s remarkable risk-taking life.

During a sermon entitled “Why Jesus Called a Man a Fool,” he described his sleepless anguish after receiving a late night bomb threat at his home. He considered giving up. Alone and discouraged at his kitchen table, he prayed and a message came to him that inspires us today:  “… it seemed at that moment that I could hear an inner voice saying to me, ‘Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness, stand up for justice, stand up for truth. And lo I will be with you, even until the end of the world.’”

This day is about more than being nice, more than shopping the sales and more than supporting the status quo. While folks may try to hijack Dr King’s image for projects that are way too bland, or downright unfair, ultimately, they will not pass the Red Sea test.

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they made it because they had the legacy of the God of Justice. The Egyptian oppressors tried to take the same shortcut when they chased after the slaves, but the water swallowed them up. People have always tried it, but ultimately, you can’t hijack righteousness for an unrighteous cause.

Prayer

Gracious God, could you be saying this to me too? “Stand up for righteousness, stand up for justice, stand up for truth. And lo I will be with you, even until the end of the world.” Amen.

About the Author Lillian Daniel is the senior minister of the First Congregational Church, UCC, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Her new book, This Odd and Wondrous Calling: the Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers, co-authored with Martin B. Copenhaver,