Let Freedom Ring
July 2006
In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, sealed, and delivered in the United States of America. African slaves all over the nation finally had the legal right to be free. Surprisingly, however, not all of the slaves responded the same way to this new decree.
Some did precisely what we would expect. These African slaves were so exhilarated about emancipation that they packed their bags immediately and left their masters. They realized that life outside the boundaries of slavery would be very treacherous yet they were willing to risk everything because freedom was worth it! In fact, many slaves would rather have risked their lives in freedom than remain safe under the covering of their master.
The second group of slaves included those who most often worked
in the house with the master. They were treated better than
all of the other slaves in every way. House servants' lives
were often much easier than the lives of the field workers.
They became comfortable with their circumstances and the "good
life" that they had with their owners. When they got the
news about the Emancipation Proclamation, they weren't sure
they wanted to risk that comfort to go experience freedom. They
treasured the security of their current lifestyle over the price
they would pay to be free. Freedom came with no promises and
no guarantees. Yes, they would be free, but they would not be
guaranteed a meal or shelter. They weren't sure freedom was
worth that risk; so many slaves chose willingly to stay in slavery.
The third group is the most surprising of all. In my home state of Texas, we celebrate June 19, or "Juneteenth." This is the anniversary of the day that the privileges outlined in the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas. On June 19, 1865, two years after the new law had been handed down, slaves in Texas got the news of their legal freedom! For two whole years, the slaves in Texas were living in slavery even though they legally had the right to freedom. Why? Some plantation owners in Texas had gotten together and conspired to conceal the news of the Proclamation. They knew that their farms and plantations would be hit hard if they lost all of their slaves, and they wanted to do everything they could to keep their work force intact. So for two years, the slaves in Texas lived in bondage with no knowledge that they had been set free!
So many believers fall into one of these two last categories. Many have accepted the Lord but refuse to walk as a free person because they are too comfortable where they are. Have you, like the slaves mentioned above, become so used to the seemingly secure home of your former master, Satan, that you are not willing to risk losing it. The risk of true freedom isn't as inviting as your current level of comfort in the sins, hindrances and habits of your current lifestyle. Sometimes we find ourselves so entangled in sin, disobedience, or simply the goods of this temporary world that when freedom comes, we let it pass us by. We are so accustomed to living in bondage by internal chains of guilt, shame, and fear or by material chains of possessions, homes, money, success, and other needless attachments. We are not really interested in the victorious Christian life as long as we can just get by with what we have. We are glad that we are saved, but our rebellious nature has not allowed us to move past what is comfortable to what is spiritually profitable. We know that we can live in freedom if we choose to, but we prefer not to do so. The price is just too high.
Others of us are saved, but the news of genuine freedom hasn't reached the depths of our hearts yet. Those of us in this group haven’t realized that there is more to the blood of Jesus than just grace to be saved for eternity; there is grace to live in abundant freedom while we are here in history. Satan, your former master, doesn't want you to know that the Eternal Emancipation Proclamation has been given final approval and is pertinent to you right now. He is hard at work to keep this news from you and I. He wants us to keep living like slaves although our emancipation has already been declared. If he can keep you from getting this life-transforming information, you will continue to work for his kingdom. It is time, my friend, for you to know that you have been emancipated. Would you recognize and accept this truth today: You are free!
Two thousand years ago there was an emancipation proclamation declared on your life! If you have been washed in the blood of Christ, you are now spiritually free. Through the power of the Spirit of the Living God we can determine not to allow the things of this world to hold us captive and keep us from experiencing the fullness of what freedom in Christ has to offer? Those of us who not only accept the blood of Jesus as our eternal emancipation but also walk as free men and women right now will find that we experience the abundant life that Christ has to offer.
You have been
emancipated from the need for earthly treasures
emancipated from keeping up with the Jones'
emancipated from your addiction
emancipated from that broken heart
emancipated
from the guilt of your past
emancipated
from that bad habit
emancipated from that relationship
emancipated
from the fear
emancipated
from guilt
What are the chains that bind you? You do not have to be enslaved to them anymore. So, let freedom ring and decide to walk fully in the liberty that He has given.
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