In his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. invoked the powerful imagery of Amos 5:24:
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
This biblical verse perfectly encapsulated King’s vision of a society where justice and righteousness flow freely, lifting up the oppressed and restoring balance in human relationships. For King, this dream was not merely political or social; it was deeply spiritual. His motivations were rooted in love—a love that reflected the character of Christ.
Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the transformative power of love and justice as taught in the Bible. His commitment to nonviolence and equality was more than a strategy; it was a reflection of his faith in God’s ability to bring about true justice. King’s use of Amos 5 in his speech was intentional. The prophet Amos delivered a message to Israel, condemning empty rituals and calling for genuine justice. Likewise, King’s call for justice was a plea for more than surface-level changes. He sought a transformation of hearts and systems to reflect God’s righteousness.
Seventh-day Adventists can resonate with King’s message. As a people who believe in preparing for Christ’s return, we are called to embody justice and mercy in our daily lives. Ellen G. White writes:
“Christ’s followers have been redeemed for service. Our Lord teaches that the true object of life is ministry” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 326).
Just as King ministered through his advocacy for civil rights, we are called to work for justice and uplift those in need.
King’s approach to justice was inseparable from his love for humanity. In his sermon “Loving Your Enemies,” he described love as a powerful force that can transform enemies into friends. This echoes Christ’s teachings in Matthew 5:44:
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
King’s commitment to nonviolence was grounded in the belief that love is stronger than hate and that only love can break the cycle of violence and oppression.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are reminded of our own call to love and justice through the writings of Ellen White. She admonished the church to engage in social justice and care for the marginalized, stating:
“Pure religion and undefiled before the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 25).
Our faith must extend beyond personal piety to active involvement in relieving suffering and promoting fairness.
King’s vision of justice rolling like a river aligns with the Adventist understanding of God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
Revelation 21:4 assures us of a future where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death… or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
King’s life and work challenge us to examine our own actions. Are we letting justice roll through our lives and communities? Are we motivated by love, as Christ and King were? The Bible calls us to
“act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
This is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is central to our identity as followers of Christ.
In practical terms, this means reaching out to those who are hurting, speaking up for the voiceless, and living out the principles of God’s kingdom. Whether it is volunteering at a food bank, advocating for fair treatment of workers, or simply treating others with dignity, every act of love and justice reflects God’s character.
Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that justice and love are inseparable. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have the privilege and responsibility to let our faith inspire action. By doing so, we can help fulfill the vision of Amos and King—a world where justice flows like a mighty river, bringing healing and hope to all.
Article curated and edited by Hugh Davis with help from ChatGPT.