A dry and weary land
O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you.
My flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
and my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the watches of the night.
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast. – Psalm 63:1-8
I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to have 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.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Pray
In this Advent of expectation draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity. Amen.
Go deeper
Explore the many racial justice resources that are available for you and your congregation at www.pcusa.org/racial-justice-resources. Also, visit the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. Here is an excellent article of what you might expect to see when you do: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/personal-history/a-visit-to-montgomerys-legacy-museum