Today is Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It was on this day in 1865 that the Union soldiers under the command of Major General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil war was over and that all slaves were free. Even though it was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, it wasn’t until General Lee surrendered that these Confederate lands were considered again under the authority of President Lincoln.
Many point out that American slavery was exceptionally cruel, with its racial focus and chattel treatment of slaves (Job 31:13-15). Any time spent in examining this historical period reveals a truly appalling treatment of fellow human beings. However, we should not make the mistake that it stands alone as the pinnacle proof to man’s depravity, or that we have evolved into more benevolent beings. In fact, a cursory examination of the world reveals that there is an even more monstrous master that dominates every man. It suppresses us into service (Gen 4:7; 2Pe 2:19), stripping us of all dignity, chaining us to self-destructive behavior, and forcing us to live among death (Mark 5:2-5; Pro 14:12; Rom 8:6). This dictator of the world (Eph 2:2) demands a quota of service, all the while increasing our load and crippling our efforts (bricks without straw, Exo 5:7-8), only to construct dead dwellings destined for ruin (Ecc 1:14; Jam 2:26; see Exo 1:11).
But there is good news of freedom to announce, not just to some select states, but to the world (Mat 28:19). For there is a force greater than the Union army (2Ki 6:17) that fights for the oppressed and enslaved (Exo 6:6; Psa 146:3-10), led by a General (Jos 5:14-15; Rev 19:11-16) who has not sacrificed the lives of His troops, but offered up His own blood to pay for the emancipation of slaves (Col 1:13-14; Eph 1:7).
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.”
Many point out that American slavery was exceptionally cruel, with its racial focus and chattel treatment of slaves (Job 31:13-15). Any time spent in examining this historical period reveals a truly appalling treatment of fellow human beings. However, we should not make the mistake that it stands alone as the pinnacle proof to man’s depravity, or that we have evolved into more benevolent beings. In fact, a cursory examination of the world reveals that there is an even more monstrous master that dominates every man. It suppresses us into service (Gen 4:7; 2Pe 2:19), stripping us of all dignity, chaining us to self-destructive behavior, and forcing us to live among death (Mark 5:2-5; Pro 14:12; Rom 8:6). This dictator of the world (Eph 2:2) demands a quota of service, all the while increasing our load and crippling our efforts (bricks without straw, Exo 5:7-8), only to construct dead dwellings destined for ruin (Ecc 1:14; Jam 2:26; see Exo 1:11).
But there is good news of freedom to announce, not just to some select states, but to the world (Mat 28:19). For there is a force greater than the Union army (2Ki 6:17) that fights for the oppressed and enslaved (Exo 6:6; Psa 146:3-10), led by a General (Jos 5:14-15; Rev 19:11-16) who has not sacrificed the lives of His troops, but offered up His own blood to pay for the emancipation of slaves (Col 1:13-14; Eph 1:7).
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.”
–Hebrews 9:14
Notice that last phrase… “to worship the living God.” We are not granted freedom to do as all that we please, but come back under the authority of our Creator and Sustainer (Psa 119:134).
“And having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.”
Notice that last phrase… “to worship the living God.” We are not granted freedom to do as all that we please, but come back under the authority of our Creator and Sustainer (Psa 119:134).
“And having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.”
–Romans 6:18.
“Wait?!” you might say, “So we are set free only to become slaves again?”
The problem is that we misunderstand what freedom is. Liberty is not lawlessness. Freedom operates under an ordered rule, not anarchy where everyone does as they please (Jdg 17:6) and humanity consigns itself to chaotic torment of “might makes right.” The truth of the matter is that Bob Dylan got it right, we all “gotta serve somebody.”
“For whatever a person succumbs to, to that he is enslaved.”
“Wait?!” you might say, “So we are set free only to become slaves again?”
The problem is that we misunderstand what freedom is. Liberty is not lawlessness. Freedom operates under an ordered rule, not anarchy where everyone does as they please (Jdg 17:6) and humanity consigns itself to chaotic torment of “might makes right.” The truth of the matter is that Bob Dylan got it right, we all “gotta serve somebody.”
“For whatever a person succumbs to, to that he is enslaved.”
–2 Peter 2:19b
So, “Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.”
So, “Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.”
–1 Peter 2:16
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness?”
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience resulting in righteousness?”
–Romans 6:16
There is no such thing as neutral autonomy. We are either slaves to desires of the flesh or slaves to righteousness (Gal 5:17). So God does not free us to live in a way contrary to His character, but free to live in obedience to Him (Exo 8:1; Tit 2:14)—our created purpose (Isa 43:7; Gen 1:26-27). We were never meant to be our own masters, and we have proven throughout history that we are hopeless wrecks at playing god over our own futures. Therefore, “The freest man on the face of the earth is the one who makes himself a slave to a perfect master,” (Paul Washer).
And take notice, God’s freedom is not a deliverance that leaves the unrestrained impoverished and homeless, aimless to wonder under a careless and at best negligent authority when it is not seeking any opportunity to harass and incarcerate us. No, this freedom puts us under the care of a loving and gracious Lord who is faithful in all His promises (2Co 1:20) to care for our every need (Mat 6:25-31), including honest work (Eph 2:10). And God provides everything we need for His work (2Pe 1:3)—a joyous and light labor (Rom 5:3-5; Mat 11:30), with an incredible wage (Ecc 2:26; Mat 25:21). There is no quota of performance (Rom 3:28), and we don’t build things destined for ruin, but participate in the construction (1Co 3:12-13) of the beautiful city of God where we will dwell with Him (Rev 21:1-4). All those who are under His care are granted full citizenship (Phi 3:20), regardless of skin color, economic status, or gender (Gal 3:28). Even more—full rights (Gal 3:4-5) as children of God (Gal 3:26) with an abundant share in our master’s inheritance (1Pe 1:3-5; Col 3:24) that is beyond imagination (1Co 2:9).
However, like the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom does not take its affect until surrender is declared. But this surrender isn’t dependent upon someone else. The white flag must be carried in our own hands, and out to our original master (the only good, Mark 10:18) who we have personally betrayed (Rom 3:10-18). But take heart, for unlike the cruel masters of this world, The Lord is “a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [He is] eager to turn back from destroying people,” (Jon 4:2).
So for those still enslaved to sin, run out to Him in joyous surrender. For this is the only way to freedom and life (John 14:6; Jer 21:8-9), to "know the truth, and [have Him] set you free," (John 8:32).
There is no such thing as neutral autonomy. We are either slaves to desires of the flesh or slaves to righteousness (Gal 5:17). So God does not free us to live in a way contrary to His character, but free to live in obedience to Him (Exo 8:1; Tit 2:14)—our created purpose (Isa 43:7; Gen 1:26-27). We were never meant to be our own masters, and we have proven throughout history that we are hopeless wrecks at playing god over our own futures. Therefore, “The freest man on the face of the earth is the one who makes himself a slave to a perfect master,” (Paul Washer).
And take notice, God’s freedom is not a deliverance that leaves the unrestrained impoverished and homeless, aimless to wonder under a careless and at best negligent authority when it is not seeking any opportunity to harass and incarcerate us. No, this freedom puts us under the care of a loving and gracious Lord who is faithful in all His promises (2Co 1:20) to care for our every need (Mat 6:25-31), including honest work (Eph 2:10). And God provides everything we need for His work (2Pe 1:3)—a joyous and light labor (Rom 5:3-5; Mat 11:30), with an incredible wage (Ecc 2:26; Mat 25:21). There is no quota of performance (Rom 3:28), and we don’t build things destined for ruin, but participate in the construction (1Co 3:12-13) of the beautiful city of God where we will dwell with Him (Rev 21:1-4). All those who are under His care are granted full citizenship (Phi 3:20), regardless of skin color, economic status, or gender (Gal 3:28). Even more—full rights (Gal 3:4-5) as children of God (Gal 3:26) with an abundant share in our master’s inheritance (1Pe 1:3-5; Col 3:24) that is beyond imagination (1Co 2:9).
However, like the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom does not take its affect until surrender is declared. But this surrender isn’t dependent upon someone else. The white flag must be carried in our own hands, and out to our original master (the only good, Mark 10:18) who we have personally betrayed (Rom 3:10-18). But take heart, for unlike the cruel masters of this world, The Lord is “a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [He is] eager to turn back from destroying people,” (Jon 4:2).
So for those still enslaved to sin, run out to Him in joyous surrender. For this is the only way to freedom and life (John 14:6; Jer 21:8-9), to "know the truth, and [have Him] set you free," (John 8:32).
"So if the son sets you free, you will be really free."
–John 8:36
And for those who have tasted this sweet freedom, be like many of those slaves in 1865 who heard the announcement and quickly returned to former plantations to reunite families and spread the news. Do not delay, the world must know that freedom has been won!
1 comment:
Great post; tells it like it is. Also, tells the only real route out of sin's bondage and that is Jesus christ.
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