Independence and Liberation: Never Settle For Less

Isaiah 61:1-11,

Independence Day for some is the most sacred day of the American Year. There are those who celebrate with fireworks, parades, concerts and the like, but for many it is the realization of liberation and freedom that cannot be denied. When we think of America now, we see harsh divisions, racial, gender, and social prejudices, and we see what a true oxymoron is: America, land of the free and the home of the brave. It is clear that as people of color, sons and daughters of unintentional immigrants from Mother Africa, children and great-great grandchildren of slaves, soldiers and true American patriots, we see Independence Day in a different way. Thomas Jefferson wrote these words in 1776 -We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This text of Isaiah, the third division, is often called by scholars, the 5th gospel because it is often quoted by Christ and others in the gospels. Jesus reads from this text at his home synagogue and to the surprise of many, says, “today these words are fulfilled in your ears.”In John 8:31-36, Jesus goes a step further and says that"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

In Frederick Douglass’ autobiography “My Bondage and My Freedom”, he tells of his religious conversion. He wrote of encountering an old man named Lawson who prayed three times a day and while driving his team of cattle. He met frequently with this old man who served as his mentor and spiritual father. When Lawson told him that God had a great work for him, Douglass espoused that he was a “slave for Life!” To this the old man replied “If you want Liberty ask the Lord for it in faith, and He will give it to you! What then is the task for us as believers today? We are to take off the garments of mourning and oppression, and put on the garments and mantles of praise. We are to forget those things which are behind, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling. We must walk in the double portion that has been freely given to us through Christ. We are to acknowledge and live as a people of blessings and praise and exalt God with our whole being. Then we can join with others who have been liberated in singing the words of that negro spiritual-”Free at Last, Free at Last! Thank God Almighty, we’re FREE AT LAST!”

Views: 18

Comment

You need to be a member of Black Preaching Network to add comments!

Join Black Preaching Network

© 2024   Created by Raliegh Jones Jr..   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service