Enslaved No More
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5.1
Do people celebrate Juneteenth where you live? Perhaps this year, more than ever, we should realize the significance of this day of remembrance.
For years now I have paused on June 19th in order to remember the unbelievable genesis of this holiday. On this day in 1865 Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War was over and slaves were now free. What a celebration that must have been.
With mixed feelings, for sure. Because the war had actually ended and slaves freed by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation two and one-half years earlier on January 11, 1863!
Yet men and women had needlessly continued to live in slavery!
Sadly, too many people today still feel enslaved — by prejudice, injustice, economic inequality, addiction, or past pain. I know them and so do you. What can we do about such things? Listen, Learn, and Act.
Admittedly, I sometimes I feel like one of those 19th century slaves who “never got the memo.” Even though I’ve read in the Bible that God’s Son has truly set me free, I occasionally allow sin, bad habits and compulsions to keep me in bondage.
As though no one had fought for me and won the battle to procure my freedom!
Christ did this on the cross. And yet we are a fickle folk – returning again to the familiar — people/experiences/habits as burdensome as chains around our ankles.
Are you just now hearing the Good News of freedom in Christ? May God help you grab hold of this truth and break your chains with your former masters.
Lord, I am finally tired of living this way and ready to throw off the chains – please help me go forth in freedom. Amen.
under the mercy, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
This blog is an adaptation from one of my 30 devotions featured in a beautiful new journal “Where Are You God — Learning to Trust When Times are Tough” This is a beautiful 365 day leather flex journal which you can order HERE.
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouragement at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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Lucinda,
Thank you very much for those precious words. I too feel enslaved hoe blessed we are that Jesus has freed us.
Blessings
Paula
Yes, he has freed us - let’s live that way.
Reach out to Jesus, even if all you touch is the hem of his garment, He will turn to you and call you daughter. Embrace the promise that Christ has set you free. thank you for reading, Paula.
As a child, I never heard about the significance of June 19, although we were certainly taught about the Emancipation Proclamation. How heartbreaking that this news was kept from enslaved people!