Two “kings” have been remembered and celebrated over the
past few days.
One king was remembered in my home country, the United
States. This “king” was a man who would rise up to challenge a nation on the
fundamental belief that all people are created equal and should be treated the
same.
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| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968 |
Here in Ethiopia, the past few days, “The King of Kings”,
God’s only Son Jesus, who came to earth to save people from sin, has been
remembered and celebrated. A holiday
called Timket has going on, remembering Jesus.
Two kings, both changed history.
In the United States, Martin Luther King Jr was remembered
on Monday, January 19th. A national holiday had people off school
and work, to remember his life and work. He was an African American preacher
who in the 1960’s challenged our country to change their laws so racism would
end. He took a stand against injustice and
segregation and said- enough is enough. He peacefully led rallies and
marches. He shared “his dream” and eventually
was assassinated in his fight for equality.
People remembered this king in various ways on Martin Luther
King Jr. day. There were breakfasts, rallies, and even a movie came out that people
went to see that documented his life.
Here in Ethiopia, the holiday of Timket has been celebrated
the past several days. Streets have been
decorated and huge parades of people have marched. The red carpet was rolled
out, here, literally, remembering Jesus, this king who came.
Timket celebrates Jesus' baptism. “Tabots” or models of the Ark of Covenant- were moved to
fields, where people prayed all night, in preparation for the memorial baptism ceremony
on Monday. People then returned the
tabots to their churches which will continue into Tuesday.
More about Timket…
So what makes someone want to honor and remember a King?
There have been many BAD kings or rulers or presidents in history that many
would rather forget.
What made these “kings” different?
Both of these kings championed causes. They stood for
justice, freedom and equality. They
were a voice for the voiceless. And even
died in communicating their stand.
And of course, JESUS- the ultimate King , rose up after
willingly laying down His life- and now sits on His throne.
This King, God’s Son, gave us a new story line, a kingdom to
be part of, a family to expand. It’s our story. Our history to celebrate. We have good news to share!
And now what does our King want of us? To live comfortably
in our salvation?
No, He tells us to continue to stand against injustice,
to fight for the poor, oppressed and marginalized. To extend -through our hands
and feet and voice- through His power in us- His love, His peace, His mercy,
His compassion.
Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and
the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the
Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim the good
news to the poor. He has sent me to bind
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from
darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the
day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those
who grieve- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of
joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of
despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the display
of His splendor.
Do we look our King? This King? Are we about His work,
expanding His kingdom? Sharing His love?
Philippians 2:5-11
Your attitude
should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did
not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And
being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to
death, even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow…and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
1 Peter 2:9-10
You like living
stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,…you are
a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,
that you may declared the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His
wonderful life.
John 15:12-17
My command is this;
Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that He
lay down His life for His friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master’s
business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned
from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose
you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last…. This is my
command: Love each other.
May we not cower to be His voice, His love in the hard
places!
May my life always bring honor to my King!
Prayer Requests,
ETC
-We have two weeks remaining at Hope University College
to finish out the semester, then final exams. Please pray for a good wrap up
for students and teachers, and good results for finals for students.
-I start a new semester teaching at the seminary the week
of January 26. Please pray a successful semester there as well, as I teach:
Evangelism to Youth; Leadership in Youth Ministry; and Cross Cultural
Communication.
-My sister will move to South Sudan in early February.
Please pray for her remaining weeks at home and her transition there.
ANNOUNCEMENT…
Also- the “king” of our house, our GREAT DAD, Jim
Garrett- has a birthday on Friday, January 23. WE love him soooo much! Please
give a shout out to him on his special day. He’s the best Dad in the world and
we love Him so much!!! J
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| HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! (January 23)!!!! WE LOVE YOU |
Thanks for your prayers, please keep in touch!
