Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team in 1945 as the first African American to play major league baseball in nearly 100 years. Contrary to his critics, he was a fierce advocate for justice. Despite living in a largely racist society, he had great self-control. As a result of his courage and skills, today he is held up as a model, a pacesetter that opened doors for other Black athletes. King Solomon built the Temple to honor Yahweh. He wanted it to symbolize God’s presence within his nation. At the dedication of the Temple, God made himself known by his filling the place with a pillar of fire called The Shekinah Glory. We read in 2 Chronicles chapter 6 that when Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven to burn up all offerings and sacrifices. The glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple, and the entire congregation fell down and worshiped chanting, “[Yahweh] is good! His faithful love endures forever!” Today, our Lord calls us to be living models who worship Him and live with integrity. If we are faithful we might as well leave an even greater impact than Jackie Robinson or King Solomon.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
