Dcn Anne Strong

HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME

My dear Sisters and Brothers,

True prophets are “the mouthpiece of God…” (Chronicles 29: 29). We are familiar with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. A prophet’s aim is far beyond external conformity, rather, the reformation of our inner selves, our spiritual core(2 Cor 4 :16). “Let the same mind be in us that is in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2: 5) The prophets of old (Isaiah, the Judges, Joshua) consistently call the people back to their covenantal obligations...single-hearted obedience to God, mercy, and compassion for the  oppressed, dispossessed, and differently abled; justice and shalom for ALL peoples.

The prophets of the first century are now referred to as the first “mobile“ ministry. They were also referred to as “holy wanderers”who possessed charisma. Another trait prophets share is self-confidence that they speak for God, saying, “thus says the Lord.”

One of the reasons for their passion to share their wholeness with God was the joy and love they found and they were impassioned for others to experience this.

When we develop a similar mind as Jesus, we develop not just our mind, but also heart, character, and soul. I call this my “Christian conscience.” This is what leads me to kenosis, a self-emptying, so that the love and grace of God pour through me to others.

God does not bless us with knowledge or prosperity for ourselves; we are so blessed that we may serve others.

Today we celebrate the life and ministry of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., who was transformed for his purpose of transforming the world. Dr King lived from 1929-1968. In this short time, Dr King served as an American Baptist pastor and activist. He was one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights movement. He worked tirelessly toward his dream for America….a true unity of states, void of segregation and racism. Dr King was steadfast to his principles that all men and women are equal. He spoke the truth to power at a critical time in our nation’s history.

His prophetic passion was founded on and renewed by the prophets of the Bible, as well as the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution.

This same freedom Martin Luther King, Jr. was fighting for can and should be actualized in faith communities; Dr King referred to this as “Beloved Community.” He challenged the church in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to shed its bureaucratic and institutional constraints and enter the struggle for human rights and social justice. As a prophet, MLK was gunned down (“true prophets don’t live to be old men”).

This new year, I propose that all of us run the race with perseverance and in faith; may we do our part in the removal of barriers and impediments to true community. Let us seek our common heritage and celebrate all that binds us in unity as one people whose traditions are filled with all of the rich images of the past and bright promises of the future.

HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME

Holy hugs,

—Deacon Anne