On Saturday evening, May 3, I had the privilege of speaking at the Night of Justice worship service sponsored by Sunflower Community Action Partners. There were a number of speakers and time was precious. The following is my offering for the event. I post it here because I think the times demand action on our part.
Our governor, Sam Brownback, fancies the title “Pastor Sam.” He likes to call himself “Pastor Sam.” He is not the first political leader in history to anoint himself as a spiritual leader. Others who have gone before him have also sought to wrap their political ambitions in spiritual garments. Because he has chosen to claim this title for himself, we have a right and an obligation to ask how his message compares to the good news of the gospel of Jesus, who is the Christ.
I never heard my Jesus “Come and follow me and I will make you poor and hungry.” He never said, “I will take away essential social services and cut programs on which people depend when times are hard.” My Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden. My yoke is easy. My burden is light. I will give you zest in the struggle for social justice.”
My Jesus never said to me, “Show me your photo id.” My Jesus said, “When I was a stranger you welcomed me.”
My Jesus never said, “Check the box.” He said, “When I was in prison you welcomed me.” “I have come to proclaim good news to the poor and to set the prisoners free.”
My Jesus never comprised health care. He said, “I was sick and you visited me.” He said, “The lame shall walk and the blind shall see.” That’s what my Jesus said to me.
That is why we are here tonight. We are here tonight because it is time for black, brown and white faith communities to unite. It is time to stand together and walk together. You know the song. “Don’t you get weary.” We need to walk for justice. If you not a member of Sunflower Community Action become a member tonight. It is time to join the fight.
Let me tell you a story. It is a true story. It is a story about a friend of mine. She was a wise woman. She was a smart woman. She knew how to read the signs of the times. She could see storm clouds gathering on the political horizon. But she wasn’t sure what she should do. Should get jump into the fray or wait for another day? That was her question. So she went to visit her trusted uncle, Mordecai. She wanted to hear what he had to say. He told her, “Esther, my darlin’, you were born for such a time as this.”
My friends, you and I were born for this time. This is our time. Step up. Stand up. Unite and fight. God bless you.
David Hansen, PhD.