6 Biblical Principles of Martin Luther King Jrናሙና

READING

Things change when God gets concerned about something. “Concern” is a word we probably use too lightly—“I’m concerned the bread won’t rise before I need to bake it”—so it’s easy to miss the impact of a verse like Exodus 2:25 “So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”

The truth is, concern is a word that leads to action. Like when a mother says to her sick child, “I’m concerned about your temperature. I’m going to call the doctor.” Or when a friend says, “Look man, I’m concerned about you. It’s time to take get some help.” Concern is often the first step before freedom from whatever is afflicting someone.

This is true in the story of the Exodus. God heard his people groaning in slavery, became concerned, and appointed someone to save them. Everything changed for the Israelites once they were free from Egyptian rule.

The same could be said of Jesus. God’s concern over the sin of humanity led to his coming. Jesus then sacrificed himself to save humankind. Everything changes for those who accept salvation and become free of the rule of sin in their lives.

God’s concern precedes freedom, and God uses other people (like Moses, Jesus, Dr. King and a thousand other freedom fighters in history) to bring freedom to the groaning.

So where do you see God’s concern in your community? Who is enslaved by sin, addiction, or worse? Who is groaning and longing for freedom? God may ask you to act on his concern. Be ready to say, “Here I am.”

REFLECTION

Search for the word “concern” in a digital Bible. Take note of the things that concern God.

God is “concerned” about freedom in Exodus 2:25, 3:7, and 4:31. Read these passages and pray for a similar concern for freedom to grow in your heart.

Consider searching for human trafficking relief organizations in your area. Ask God how he may want you to be involved.

PRAYER

Dear God, I praise you for your being concerned about people. Thank you for caring about the groaning of the oppressed and the hurting! Reveal to me the things you’re concerned about in my life so I can grow and change. And show me what you’re concerned about in my community. Amen.