Dear First Baptist Family,
The day before Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was taken in Memphis, he preached a sermon at the Mason Temple that would later be called “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” The message focused on the state of America in the context of what was happening around the world.
But King was especially self-reflective, as if he sensed his life was coming to a close. At the end of the message, he became especially candid:
“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 want 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 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.”
We can’t live without hope. We can’t give up thinking that America will always be divided, that people from different races and backgrounds can’t get along. We need hope that propels us to live by the better angels of our nature.
Fyodor Dostoevsky said, “To live without hope is to cease to live.”
What are you hoping for today? Maybe you hope for a new relationship. Maybe you hope for some help with an illness. Maybe you hope for some rest soon.
Let God take you to the mountaintop today and help you see some hope.
The Look Ahead
Sorrow is not the end. Pain is not the last word. Distress may be your present circumstance, but it’s not your destination.
One day all things will be set right in Christ. There will be a new heaven and a new earth with no more tears or sadness. Divisions won’t define us. Failure will be forgotten in the face of overwhelming joy.
You can have faith that God is at work making all things new. “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).
Take some time today to look ahead. Your future is secure in Christ.
The Look Around
Hope isn’t just for one day in the future. Hope is for today. We can hope for a better day and let that hope fill us with energy to make things better now.
I see good things happening in Knoxville and in our church. Downtown is going through a revitalization. People are moving to Knoxville because of the beauty, but also because of the friendliness of the people. Our church is becoming more outward-focused and healthy within as we love one another well and work together for the glory of God.
Take a moment and name 5 things for which you can give thanks. Look around — it won’t be hard to see some good things God is doing.
Looking Together
At our recent deacons’ meeting, I shared an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
I believe that God wants us to go far. God is leading us into a bright future — a Promised Land over the horizon. We’ll get there. Together. How? By listening to one another. Celebrating one another’s gifts. Seeking the Spirit’s help. Looking to God for a big dream.
So here’s a verse to hold on to today:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NIV).
Much love to you and have a great week —
Pastor Brent