This Is Their Movement. We Are Their Servants.
Updated: Jun 6, 2020
This is their movement. We are their servants.
Matthew 23:1-12
I often introduce myself in this way “My name’s Edwin Robinson and I use Reverend when it suits me.”
Well, it suits me just fine right about now.
In a wartime effort, the role of chaplain has a duty. It’s not to pick up a weapon and charge the “enemy” unless absolutely necessary in defense of the people. It is however our role to care for the spiritual and physical needs of the people; to give advice when called upon and to open doors when able. That is our duty.
For those in the struggle for liberation, this has always been our duty, and it’s time for us to take pride in that. This is not our time to lead the people into the streets, even if asked. This is not our time to make deals with politicians or use our influence to do anything other than that which the people request.
WE SHOULD BECOME MEGAPHONES AMPLIFYING THE CRIES OF THE PEOPLE, AND MIDWIVES SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH THE PAIN OF LABOR.
We are to BE WITH the people every step of the way, to pour into the people until they realize their own power and their own strength; pour into them until they summon the righteous anger that ignites their own courage to lead; pour into them until they burst forth from the safety of our sanctuaries to fashion our prayers into reality.
Ms. Ella Baker, our greatest American freedom fighting organizer, reminds us to “Give light and the people will find the way.” If we want to be worthy of carrying the title ‘MINISTER,’ let us do just that; minister. If we desire to live up to the title of ‘REVEREND,’ let us first earn the title servant.
We must free ourselves! We don’t have to be the mythical version of a ‘Christian civil rights hero.’
We just have to walk in our calling as pastor. That’s it.
The yoke is easy and the burden is LIGHT.