From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”-Matt 4:17

The words Jesus preached as he journeyed in the first days of his ministry grabbed people’s attention. It was an echo of the words John the baptizer had been preaching. A big difference in the message was that NOW Jesus was the one bringing the Kingdom of heaven near. He would heal the sick and care for those who were hurting as well as preaching about the Kingdom of God. His actions brought life and hope and freedom just as much as his words did.

With the chaos and conflict from last week’s storming of the capital buildings we were once again reminded of the power of words. Words can bring peace and comfort, or they can cause injury and conflict. Not only do the words of the people in positions of authority matter. Although their words hold great weight and have the ability to influence and reach a far larger audience, our own words have power as well. The words that we speak, the words that we post and echo in our social media platforms all have power. Are we using those words to build up or to destroy others? Are we using those words to journey with Jesus or draw people away from God? Are we using those words to lift up the hurting and the oppressed, to bring the kingdom of heaven near? Are we using our words to repent and let go of our own agenda, our selfishness and greed… in order to build the kingdom of God?

This weekend we honor and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The words of Dr. King were powerful ones. They have been drawn in our hearts, written into the very fabric of our nation and etched in stone. Some of the quotes on the MLK monument in D.C. are:

“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

“I believe that unarmed truth and
unconditional love will have the final word in reality.
This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

These and the many other powerful words from Dr. King helped to mobilize the non-violent protests and civil rights movement of the 1960’s. His words mattered in those days and they ring true today. As we experience conflict and discord in our country, let us remember and follow the words that bring life and justice. May we also share words that bring the kingdom of God near.

Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate and a Seventh-day Adventist, prayed at the end of the historic January 6-7, 2021 session in the US Congress. Here’s the text of his prayer:

“Lord of our lives and sovereign of our beloved nation, we deplore the desecration of the United States Capitol building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life, and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy. These tragedies have reminded us that words matter and that the power of life and death is in the tongue. We have been warned that eternal vigilance continues to be freedom’s price.

Lord, you have helped us remember that we need to see in each other a common humanity that reflects your image. You have strengthened our resolve to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies domestic as well as foreign. Use us to bring healing and unity to our hurting and divided nation and world. Thank you for what you have blessed our lawmakers to accomplish in spite of threats to liberty. Bless and keep us. Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to do your will and guide our feet on the path of peace. And God bless America. We pray in your sovereign name, amen.”