Rosa Parks says she did not refuse to give up her seat and move to the “colored” section of the bus because she was physically tired. She said she was tired of segregation, tired of being treated as a second-class citizen. Her courage inspired Dr. King to lead the bus boycott to end bus segregation in Montgomery, AL. Long ago, Queen Esther risked her life to save her people from certain death. Wicked Haman had persuaded King Xerxes to sign a decree to kill all Jews on a certain date. When Esther’s uncle Mordecai got wind of it, he urged his niece to plead with the king on behalf of her people. He said to her, “Do not think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed… who knows if perhaps you were made Queen for just such a time as this?” So after three days of fasting, Esther risked her life by entering the king’s throne room unannounced and she was successful in saving her people. We may not be called to risk our lives as Esther did, but Jesus wants all of us to stand for truth, justice, and righteousness.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
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
