Focal passage: Romans 13:1-10
When I was in high school, I became obsessed with both Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr. I bought Graham’s autobiography – Just as I Am – and read through the book, but loved the glossy photographs the best.
Around this time, I also studied a speech by King in English class, noting the power of his rhetoric and his consistent use of biblical allusions. I loved how unapologetic King was with applying his theology to daily living. Watching clips of him, he was confident and steady in his conviction – ready and able to endure whatever may come to see the goodness of God recognized in the Black men and women of America.
Both Graham and King sparked a deep love for theology and ethics in me that eventually led to seminary where I studied how to responsibly interpret scripture and see it change lives at home and on Capitol Hill.
As Christians, we are called to balance the providence of God with the precepts of God. In the book of Romans, we are told to both honor government and its leaders as well as obey the Lord.
We pray for our leadership – that they might know Christ, call out injustice and pursue genuine peace. We live that daily in our homes, towns and workplaces, and call others to do the same in love.
People remember Graham and King not simply because they were powerful speakers, but because they led with love and conviction. They were powerful in Christ!