On April 4, 2008, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot down on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only 39, but he had spoken more meaningful, powerful words than most people ever speak in a full lifetime. And although he is most widely know for the “I have a dream” speech, the words that resonate in my soul the most are the prophetic words he spoke the night before his death. The speech is approximately 43 minutes long. I haven’t found a full video recording of it, but the full audio version is available on the American Rhetoric website.
The video clip I’ve included with this post is of the last few moments of King’s speech where he drew parallels between his role in the civil rights movement and the role of Moses in leading the children of Israel out of the wilderness and into the promised land. If you’re not familiar with the story of Moses being allowed to see the promised land but not enter into it, I suggest reading Deuteronomy 34. It won’t explain the whole story, but you’ll appreciate King’s comments much more. It’s hard to believe that King was actually ill before he gave this speech and nearly didn’t attend the event. Here are King’s “famous last words”.
Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop.
And I don’t mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
And so I’m happy, tonight.
I’m not worried about anything.
I’m not fearing any man!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
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