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Free Indeed

Tomorrow, we will observe “Independence Day”. A day to commemorate the “Declaration of Independence” of the then thirteen American colonies separating themselves from the rule of the British monarchy. 

In June, we celebrated “Juneteenth”, which marks the ending of slavery through the “Emancipation Proclamation” in 1865. What is significant about this celebration of freedom is that it was about 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863! Let us think about that for a minute. The Civil War had ended and the slaves were then free from over 400 years of excessive hard labor, being whipped and tortured, being branded, being sold and separated from their families, and being held as property, but some did not know it until 2.5 years later.

As I thought about the horrors of slavery and the tentative freedoms of ex-slaves, I thought about how that often mirrors our spiritual emancipation and freedom. How many of us are still living as slaves to sin, although Jesus set us free over 2000 years ago? How many of us are still living in prisons of depression, unforgiveness, addictions, low self-esteem, and unhealthy relationships?

The bible tells us that Jesus demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet in sin, yet enslaved to sin, He died for us (Romans 5:8). His blood set us free and took the fear and pain of death away. His blood emancipated us. Apostle Paul goes further and instructs the church to stand in the liberty that Jesus has provided for us and to not get entangled and caught up in sin again (Galatians 5:1).

I can imagine that in 1865, the news of the Emancipation Proclamation was met with many emotions, including fear and trepidation. The truth is, although the institution of slavery had ended, Black people in America were far from free. However, many ex-slaves and their descendants, although not free in a social and political sense, found real freedom through Christ. 

John 8:38 says, “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” If Jesus, the Son of God, who has the power to liberate us, then liberates us, then we are truly free. Not just from earthly chains and oppression, but eternal freedom from the very bondage of sin.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                               

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