Juneteenth - Freedom

June 19 is the newest federal holiday, "Juneteenth National Independence Day," which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery. The proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, and took effect on that day. So why do we celebrate on June 19th? Because it took two and a half years for word to reach Texas, so slavery continued. It was not until the arrival of the Union troops and General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, two months after the end of the Civil War.

This day gives us Christians a day to celebrate and reflect on Freedom. "For freedom, Christ has set us free"(Galatians 5:1a). Christ's mission, message, and ministry centered on the freedom that he came to bring—freedom from the bondage of sin and the penalty of death that captures all humanity. In this same chapter of Galatians (five), Paul calls us to reflect on our freedom, "For you were called to freedom, brothers." Galatians 5:13a

Exploring the Freedom Found in Christ

At the heart of this freedom is the transformation that occurs when an individual is found to be in Christ. It's a metamorphosis from being controlled by the inherent sinful nature to being guided by the Holy Spirit. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 states, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." This passage highlights the intrinsic link between the presence of the Holy Spirit and the liberty believers enjoy.

Freedom in Christ also means being free from the penalty of sin. We know that sin leads to death, but through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, believers are set free from this ultimate penalty. Romans 6:22 states this beautifully, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life."

Moreover, this freedom is not an invitation to live selfishly or lawlessly. Instead, it's the ability to choose righteousness over sin, to pursue a life of virtue and holiness. It's about having the freedom to do what is right in the eyes of God, which was previously impossible due to the bondage of sin.

Christian freedom also involves liberation from the burdens and strongholds that once dictated one's life. Believers are free to love, be kind, and live in peace with others, laying their internal struggles at Jesus' feet. This aspect of freedom is transformative, allowing individuals to live out the fullness of life that God intends.

It's important to note that Christian freedom is distinct from civil freedom. It's not about political rights or societal privileges but rather a spiritual state that transcends earthly definitions of liberty. It's a freedom that comes with responsibility—to live according to God's laws and to love one another.

So, Happy Juneteenth, and give thanks to God for our country's physical freedom from slavery and for the Spiritual and life-giving freedom we have in Christ.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

How can I best reflect my Freedom in Christ to the world?

How can I pray for the persecuted church around the world?

CLOSING NOTE: This is also a day when we should be in prayer for the millions still living in slavery around the world.

Modern slavery remains a critical global issue, with an estimated 50 million people affected worldwide. This encompasses various forms of exploitation, such as forced labor, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Efforts to combat this issue are ongoing, with international organizations and governments working to address the root causes and provide support to those affected. For detailed statistics and information on modern slavery, visit the World Population Review, which provides comprehensive insights and data.