Having A Dream

On August 28, 1963, in Washington D. C., Dr. Martin Luther King addressed the crowd that gathered for the March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom in what became one of the most famous and impassioned speeches during the Civil Rights Era.  The treatise, often referred to as the “I Have A Dream” Speech, addressed King’s assessment of the way African-Americans had been treated and the mission he was on to promote civil equality.  Through the years many people have quoted Dr. King’s remarks and, this weekend, as our nation prepares to honor his memory, I would like share a few of my favorite excerpts: 

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.  I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” … “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

As I reread Dr. King’s speech it got me to wondering what I dream about.   What is my dream for my life?  The more I thought about this the more I was drawn to another vision – this one by the Apostle John.  As incredible things were revealed to him he remarked, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them[, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’” (Revelation 21:1-4).  What an incredible vision and what an awesome expectation!  Faithful believers have the ability to live with God in an environment free from the oppression of earthly living!  I hope that our nation is moving closer to Dr. King’s dream; but, I have every confidence that God will deliver the perfection of John’s vision.

Let’s never lose sight of the hopes and dreams revealed to John.  No matter what happens in our nation – or anywhere around our world – there will come a time when we will be blessed with a flawless harmony between God and man.  That is the greatest dream of all!

Popular posts from this blog

The Uncertainty Of Life

1958 was a challenging year in Cuba.  Revolutionary forces were active throughout the island nation while the ruling dictator, Fulgencio Batista, struggled to maintain control.  In spite of the underlying political tensions Havana continued to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.  Hotels, casinos and opulent shows were readily available just a few miles off of the southern coast of Florida.  New Year’s Eve 1958 probably began like many others – a night of celebration, entertainment and debauchery – but before the sun rose on the “Pearl of the Caribbean” the history of the Western Hemisphere was changed forever.  In the early morning hours of January 1, 1959 Batista fled Cuba and opened the door for Fidel Castro to come to power.  I am fascinated by the history of Cuba, especially the first three quarters of the 20 th Century; yet, this event is more than a historical fact, it also offers a spiritual warning:  Life Is Fluid.  It is ...
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible say...
Read more