Today is the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination - April 4, 1968.  Dr. King is the greatest civil rights leader and pioneer for justice that our country has known in the last century.  He moved people and spoke out against racism, poverty, war, and injustice - all from an explicitly Christian perspective.

An imperfect man with a perfect dream that was begun decades ago and, with God's help, is still in the making today.  Dr. King recognized that that overcoming these obstacles as a society takes more than just compassion - it takes justice.  Justice is changing the systems of government, institutions, schools, and more so that the world treats all of us fairly from the beginning. 

Jesus came to turn the world upside down - to take a society with legalistic, crushing oppression and transform it into one that aligns itself with God.  And our God is a god of love - not fear or hatred.

So let us love like Jesus loved and Dr. King taught.  Not sentimental, mushy love, but love that is courageous enough to sacrifice all so that others may live.  Love that fights for not only peace, but true justice, as well.  For there cannot be real peace without justice. 

Hard as it is, we as Christians do not fear death, for we know death is only the beginning of a greater life in the risen Jesus Christ.  For that, we give thanks.  And with that knowledge, we keep the dream alive.

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 3, 1968