By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture Reading: However, You are just in all that has befallen us; For You have dealt faithfully, But we have done wickedly. 34 Neither our kings nor our princes, Our priests nor our fathers, Have kept Your law, Nor heeded Your commandments and Your testimonies, With which You testified against them.35 For they have not served You in their kingdom, Or in the many good things that You gave them, Or in the large and rich land which You set before them; Nor did they turn from their wicked works. (Nehemiah 9: 33-35 NKJV).
Hello, my fellow African American Friends!
I greet you in the only name that matters-that name is Jesus the Christ. The one who hung on a rugged cross, bled, died, and rose that third day morning so that you and I could have life and have it more abundantly.
As Black History Month draws to a close, we are reminded of God’s abundant mercy and grace. It is both inspiring and humbling to see how many celebrated this month with integrity and a deep respect for our ancestors. Through my research, I have come to appreciate the sincere contributions of historical figures like Fannie Lou Hamer (civil rights activist), Thurgood Marshall (who played a key role in desegregating schools through Brown v. Board of Education), W.E.B. Du Bois (co-founder of the NAACP), and, of course, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (a tireless advocate for civil rights). These individuals, among many others, not only fought for civil rights but for justice, dignity, and equality for all people, also. Their sacrifices paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today. While God has shown us unwavering faithfulness, we must ask ourselves-have we been faithful to Him?
In our aforementioned Text, Nehemiah declared that God had dealt with the Israelites, faithfully, but they had lived a wicked life. He affirmed that “Neither our kings nor our princes, our priests nor our fathers, Have kept Your law, Nor heeded Your commandments and Your testimonies” (v.34). Nehemiah also brought to their attention that God had blessed them with “good things,” and the rich land he set before them, yet they did not turn from their wicked ways.
My African American friends and family, God is urging us re-examine our hearts and actions. He has shown us His unwavering faithfulness, but have we been faithful to Him in return? Just as God desired for Israel to be a light to the nations, showing His care and blessings even when they offered little in return, we too are called to walk in His ways and uphold His commandments. As African American Christians, we must stay true to Him and “let our light so shine…” Yes, our nation faces challenges, but we must keep our focus on Christ and take time to examine our hearts and our actions, especially in how we treat others.
