We’re at the brink. Moses was at the brink. He’d been given the vision of the land of milk and honey for which he led the people out of slavery in Egypt to this promised land. And he was able to get a glimpse of this land from Mount Nebo just before he died.

The mantle of leadership then went to Joshua who led the people into the land. But even the promise was not completely fulfilled as others took up the mantle, kings and priests and prophets. And even thousands of years later the promise is still there, but not yet fully realized.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision. He said, “I have a dream,” and he had to overcome obstacles and entrenched segregation. He had to overcome those who wanted to use more violent ways to achieve that vision.

But he worked on, and the sermon he preached the night before he was assassinated was on that Moses passage. He said, “I’ve been to the mountaintop; God has 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. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

And after his death, the mantle was passed, and new leaders emerged — new ones who continued to work for that vision, overcoming obstacles, but there is still work to be done.

Jesus Christ has given us a vision. He says we’re at the brink. The Kingdom of God is near. He showed us that Kingdom, he gave us the parables, the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, is like the lost sheep, is like the prodigal son, is like the sheep and the goats. So like Moses and King we are shown glimpses.

Just as the Israelites had to put their complete trust in God as they crossed over the Jordan River, we too have to put our trust in God, put our trust in Jesus Christ as we cross into the Kingdom of God which has been promised to us. And I know many of you out there are working in your own way for that vision, being prayer warriors, volunteering, serving and donating time, money and energy. But there are still obstacles to be overcome, difficulties to be handled.

We’re still at the brink, and the mantle is being passed. Are you being called to pick it up?

Rev. Dale Brown is the pastor of Cumberland and Guinea Presbyterian churches. His email address is dalembesq@aol.com.