Article 1 Volume 7
Rev Stanley Bradby is an assistant to the pastor at Warner Baptist. He preached at the 11a.m. service on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The topic for his sermon was:
Are You a Willing Worker?
The scripture for the text is found in Nehemiah Chapter 4. Its emphasis was on the Jews building the walls in Jerusalem after they were set free. This job required a lot of work.When the Jews saw how much work would be required some of them made it clear that they were not up to the task. Some of the them were discouraged by the enemies. But Nehemiah had a mind to work. So he called for all "Willing Workers" to sign up for the task. He did not want workers who would be complaining about how hard they would have to work.
Enough men, and women (to some degree) banded together to build the wall. Enemies confronted them and used a variety of tactics to make them give up. The Bible says that they prayed and prayed and turned the problems over to God and kept on working. They worked by shifts, and some men had to bear arms while the others worked. In the end, they finished the mission.
The interesting point is they prayed and voluntarily and willingly worked on the walls until they finished.
What does all of this have to do with Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday?
Dr. King was in the forefront in a lot of his missions. But in order to be successful he had to have hundreds of willing workers to contribute their time, knowledge, finance, and labor to the many tasks he was put in the forefront to complete.
Our history books tell us that he was in demand all over the world. He covered as much ground as he could but it was impossible for him to do all that was expected of him.
When Dr. King spoke in Suffolk, Virginia on June 28, 1963, to a crowd over 7,500, I believe more than 100 willing workers banded together to see that everything went smooth. The willing workers included Julia Porter, a rising senior at East Suffolk High and many other students who served as ushers. See: esh60.blogspot.com/2013/08/
The described principles apply when it comes to doing work for the uplifting of God's Name, churches, and other volunteer organizations. If you are called on to assist or lead a particular project and you don't have time to do it because your plate is already full, tell the requester in a gentle way, that you just can't do it because of your tight schedule. He or she should understand.
Also, if you have time, but just don't want to do it, let it be known.
Most black churches, I believe, were built on men and women willingly sacrificing their time to voluntarily work on all kinds of missions.
Now, the tie down.
I believe that Dr. King was sent by God to go down in the valley and work with and for the poor people, and God inspired thousands of people to voluntarily contribute whatever resources and time to the missions spearheaded by Dr. King.
I only met Dr. King in person one time, in Washington, DC in 1965. It was a simple handshake and exchange of a few words after he had completed a speech at a local venue. It was not considered a big deal at the time. But looking back, I do treasure that brief encounter. It was inspiring. Also, I can personally testify about how much his work depended on "Willing Workers".
Rev. Stan Bradby was right on key in his, not meant for, but spirit guided, message on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the help and assistance he received from thousands of willing workers.
Copyright 2016.Grady E. Bryant, Sr.
Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this website are strictly those of Grady Bryant, obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.
