Juneteenth

“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.” (Galatians 4:7 NLT)

On June 19th, 1865, the people of Texas were notified that all slaves were free. This news came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after General Robert E. Lee had surrendered. However, those who were enslaved didn’t know, and their captors continued to keep them in bondage. 

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces.” (Galatians 4:8-9 NIV)

Many of us feel oppressed and powerless. Although we have heard the good news that we are no longer slaves, we still live in bondage. We submit to our baser nature and the miserable forces of this world. Like an addict, we go back to harmful hedonism. Evil wants us to think we are still indentured servants. The chains may still be around us, but they are no longer attached. We are free to be good, to do good, and to live meaningful lives filled with purpose.