MLK Day, THE Day, and Our Day

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,

so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my Disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

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Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24

Lord Jesus, reflecting on the work of Martin Luther King Jr. ignites our longings for the Day of your return. It will begin an eternity of perfect everything, but especially, perfect relationships. And in the current climate of hatred, vitriol and rancor, our cry is, “How long, O Lord?”

Finally, and fully, we’ll love each other the way you love us, Jesus. Every one of our relationships will be healthy, beautiful, and joyful—the overflow of living in perfected relationship with you, our Father, and God the Holy Spirit.

All racism, prejudice and tribalism will be eradicated—replaced with love, honor, and the richest community imaginable. There won’t be any insiders or outsiders; no “pecking order” or ordering one another around; no bombast, bravado, or braggadocio. The gates of the New Jerusalem will always be open for the every-nation family of God.

We’ll never disrespect or hurt one another again. We’ll never have to apologize, forgive and reconcile about anything. We will serve one another with spontaneity and great gladness. No more wars, or even temper tantrums. No more harm or harming, in any form.

The United Nations won’t be a building, but a reality. Justice will flow like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. Every evidence of evil, sin, and death will be gone. All things broken will be replaced with all things new. Hallelujah!

Until then, Jesus, bring the power of the gospel to bear in extraordinary ways in our relationships. Grant us greater grief and repentance over the ways we love so poorly—in thought, word, and deed. Fill us again and again and again with the riches of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way we’ll change. So very Amen, we pray, with conviction and hope, in your grace-full name.