Today’s Thought “Before Sunday” G. Ward

“But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ‘Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord.  They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them.” Ezekiel 33:30-32

They were instructed by their families, “Do not go down to those rallies marching anywhere with that man!” Moreover, all this man represented was anarchy and great trouble; followed by a sentiment of, “we’re fine where we are!” This man was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s certainly hard to imagine that any of this could be a sentiment of a Black parent, but it was. Jim Crow laws throughout our land could demand a stay in jail, along with barbaric beatings and potential death. Without equal opportunity employment, Blacks in America couldn’t afford to bail their people from jail, extended hospitalization (i.e. exorbitant costs), or funeral fees. Hindsight allows us current perspective in viewing those defiant ones as heroic.

Seemingly digressive, many are to encounter great speeches along with huge theatrical productions in the name of church this Sunday. It will spurn them unto emotional certainty, allowing their decision to link immediately to ANOTHER philosophical approach. More captivated by eloquence than content, wavering commitment makes its entrance. Pastors, along with their staff and many congregants applaud as many culminate their day’s presence by walking the aisle to give the dynamic preacher their hand in pledge as a servant to Christ (LOL!!!). What fellowship did they come from and if another acquaintance should invite them to their perspective place of worship and that Preacher is even more charismatic, WHERE IN THE WORLD WILL ALL THIS END???

Happy Friday!