Kirk Whalum Blog
March 27, 2008
Where Martin's Dream Was Interrupted
Above my head is the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King was gunned down. I am always humbled when I visit the National Civil Rights Museum. As we celebrate (on April 4th) the 40th anniversary of this tragedy, my hope is that we will search our hearts and ask hard questions. Are we really willing to HEAR each other's struggles? Do we really care about our neighbors -- enough to adapt our politics to account for his/her needs? Even though these questions are difficult, let this be a time to rejoice that Martin was willing to be in harms way -- he apparently believed that his neighbor was worth it. That neighbor is YOU!
Oh,yeah. Sorry about the title. I don't have the book on me right now.
What do you think of all that stuff where he was confessing to the people at Reed College? Interesting...
Anyway, I started at the beginning. In Genesis, there was a lot of sexual immorality, with Abram having more than one wife and having children by wives and servants. God's commandment clearly states His thoughts on adultery. Why did He not talk to Abram concerning that?
Right now, I'm in Exodus. I'm at Chpt. 21, where God is handing down his laws to the Israelites. In 21:20, He says:
"If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property".
This really threw me. I realize slavery was different in Moses day. However, the Israelites were just freed. Why would they be beating people? It seems God is just fine with slavery here. Why would God say it's OK if the slave doesn't die?
I'm not trying to put you on the spot, I just don't have anybody that can answer questions like this for me.
Thanks,
BadReed
Posted by: BadReed | April 17, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Hey Bro, it's "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. I want to be sure you have the right author and the right book my friend. I'm willing to help where I can on your journey. Mine is pretty full! But shoot me any questions you have here and we'll start with that.
Blessings
Posted by: Kirk whalum | April 17, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Hey Kirk-
I check out that book you suggested "Blue as Jazz". Very interesting. The author has definitely led an interesting life thus far! But the overall theme of our personal role, as Christians, in the problems we face in America is a poignant one.
This prompted me to dig into scripture. I realized that I've never actually read the Bible all the way through, especially the Old Testement. I started reading and I have a lot of questions. Is it possible to ask you a few questions concerning some passages I'm not getting? You can reach me at BadReed at gmail dot com if you are interested in helping me along in this journey. If you don't feel like it, that's cool. I understand that you're really busy.
Peace,
BadReed
Posted by: BadReed | April 17, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Amen! I do too. I'm more humble than ever on this, realizing that I have to acknowledge ways that I have been part of the problem instead of the solution. Redemption is an incredible thing!
Posted by: Kirk whalum | April 02, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Man, Kirk! You are layin' it down!
"Are we really willing to HEAR each other's struggles? Do we really care about our neighbors -- enough to adapt our politics to account for his/her needs?"
Great question! These postings are really making me think. Do you think people really have this in them? In a world where our 20 somethings are acting foolish and worshiping the Paris Hiltons of the world? Putting down women and glorifying money and dope? I hope people are listening out there.
Posted by: BadReed | April 02, 2008 at 12:18 PM
It's a shame this isn't televised nationally...this a real Reality Show
Posted by: mac | March 29, 2008 at 09:11 PM