Can You
'Hussle' Your Way to Heaven? From MLK to NIPSEY: The God Factor— A Tribute from the Heart of a
Pastor
Let's start
April 3, 1968 and move to April 3, 2019. It's a 51-year journey from the
final days of Rev. MLK to the final days of NIPSEY. Another sad day has
been placed on record in America. Another man of color has been murdered. But
it’s way bigger than this. What is God saying? What lessons are we to
learn? Who's qualified to teach? Who’s willing to listen? Who truly
wants to learn? Who's ready to do it GOD's WAY?
As a pastor and
an MLK legacy producer for over 30 years, I'm guided to place this in a perspective
one week beyond the murder of our Dear Brother Nipsey Hussle and just
ahead of the memorial services in his honor.
TIMING: This
happened on the eve of the first year of the next 50 years beyond
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.
So here we are
just before we end the first year of the next 50 years, a moment such as this
is before us. It is clear to me that God is talking… and He has our
attention. Let’s all wake up and hear what the Lord is saying.
God's Word
records in Hebrews 9:27: It is appointed unto to man, once to die...
and then the judgement. Throughout scripture and in everyday
life, we see mankind, who came from God, on our way back to
God. How will we get there? Who will make it back in
pleasant return with a 'well-done' from God Almighty? Many speculate
but there is only ONE who knows— God, our Father, who art in Heaven.
This pastoral
tribute aims allow us to reflect on what happens between our birth and death
and what truly matters with God and His divine plan and purpose for us. For
this post, time is way too short for us to reflect on the many lives in the
world of celebrities, who from our view of their final moments, are yet full of
complexities and wonderment. Add to this, men and women in the bible to
men and women who we have seen throughout history, we still have controversial
views on their actions that yet go uncertain and unanswered. But here and now…
From MLK to
Nipsey— A look at the
lives of these two men will bring much union in the concepts of common
denominators that they both shared. (Please NOTE… I did not say common
DENOMINATION as in both being members of the same 'church' body or
Fellowship.) This is important because we MUST NOT look at this from a
religious point of view... it must be a spiritual viewing of their last
remains.
1. Both
had great oratory gifts reaching millions.
2. Both
were impactful in their short-lived time here on the planet.
3. Neither
made it to the age of 40: King at 39; Nipsey at 33
4. Both
were out to help people and used a PULPIT, to uplift them out of the pits of
poverty and conditions of deprivation.
5. Both
were men of color.
6. Both
left behind legacies that will outlive many who will come after them.
7. They
both shared a providential timeline in the April 3-4, Observation that requires
us to see their untimely deaths and yes to compare and remember them for their
many God-ordained works. This is what I call, “THE GOD FACTOR” and please know
that we all have it.
My 30-plus year
assignment and tributes to Rev. Dr. King (from Memphis producing the opening
tribute for the National Civil Rights Museum to having the official permit for
the MLK50 Tribute at the MLK Memorial, etc.), have allowed me to see and
learn much about God and much about people who say they love God,
(starting with me). I've come to know more clearly what both hate and love
look like beyond the pages and beyond oration and utterances from many walks of
life. I see people talk it, preach it, sing it... you name
it. But the REAL LOVE that comes from God must be a life that is offered
up in true sacrifice.
So, I end this
first post one week beyond the murder of Nipsey and ahead of the funeral which
takes place in a few days.
I end with a
call for people to look beyond the normal tendencies to cast judgement and
start placing Nipsey in a heaven or hell but to see objectively THE GOD
FACTOR. You see Rev. Dr. King came from a family of ministry from
traditional roots. He had parents who raised him up in the admonition of
the lord. He graduated high school, college, seminary.
Our dear
brother Nipsey, a different route. But a route that in close review learned and
taught many lessons, some we are yet learning and many we will learn in the
process of time.
Like King and
so many, I'm sure Brother Nipsey wanted to live a long life. I'm sure he wanted
to love on his woman and his children for many years to come.
The scripture
from the Prophet Micah in chapter 6 and beginning with verse 8: What does God
require of us? He has showed thee on man what is good and what He
requires: TO DO GOOD... TO LOVE MERCY... and TO WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR
GOD.
My prayers
today go out from the family of Nipsey Hussle. My prayers go out to men
and women of color and to all of God's children with a passion and call
for US(A) to move up to a greater level of love and honor. 51 years
is not that long ago. It is however long enough for us to remember that the
murder/assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., should be enough for
the next 100-plus years. My prayer is that we can learn the lessons
and get in position to help guide the now and next generations to a higher
level of love (God), honor, dignity and respect for life. Let's end the cycle
of murder/hate/divisiveness.
THE BILLION
DOLLAR
QUESTION: CAN
YOU (NIPSEY) HUSSLE YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN?
For and during
this moment, let's all go on a search and see: Who will go forth with
agape love and help bring strength, comfort, hope and healing during these
moments that proceeds the RESSURECTION season when we are reminded of the
greatest sacrifice of all. Who will work to unite the nation back to
God? I say it starts with me. Here am I, oh lord send me: Arthur
L. Hunt, Jr. www.mlkbible.education
