Many of us observed Juneteenth this week, taking a break from our normal rhythms to celebrate the 1865 date when slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned that they had been freed. Quite amazingly, that moment in history was two years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I’d like to quote Dr. Ben Carson on the subject of remembering: “Our history is what gives you your identity. And your identity is that thing upon which your beliefs are built. If you disrupt that chain, then you become like a leaf blowing in the wind. You don’t really have a foundation. You can learn from good and from bad, and that’s what wise people do.”
Freedom is God’s idea. I could make a strong argument that the most clarion cry of the Old Testament is the Lord’s own voice: “Let my people go!” The Exodus from Egypt was much more than some isolated historical achievement, but it prefigured in multiple ways all that God intended to do for us in His cosmic plan of redemption. It predicted and set the stage for the good news of the gospel, which would shape the New Testament. It was a shadow of sovereign grace. The Exodus blessed the world!
And here’s how all of human history has operated, if you want my opinion on the subject: despite the ravages of sin warring endlessly against what is good and right – just like in the Exodus – God has orchestrated the wider movements of change toward our good and His glory. The abolition of the international slave trade is a perfect example.
If you and I had lived during the late 18th century, we could have barely imagined a world without slavery. That’s not easy to admit, but I think it’s true. But God, in His infinite wisdom, began to stir the hearts of a few people in London, and among those people was a dapper young man named William Wilberforce. (If you’re unfamiliar with this chapter of history, I commend to you the 2007 film Amazing Grace, directed by Michael Apted.) Wilberforce had been elected to Parliament at the age of 21, and was converted to Christ just a few years later. In his new faith, Wilberforce wondered whether or not he should stay in politics, and his friend John Newton – a former slave trader, a pastor, and the writer of the hymn Amazing Grace– became a huge influencer in regard to the decision by Wilberforce to stay at his post. Newton helped Wilberforce capture a vision of himself as a modern-day Esther – raised up by God for a critically important moment of courage “for such a time as this.”
For Wilberforce, his bold and courageous walk of faith became more like a season than a moment, as he struggled against the economic and political powers – which lurked ominously behind the global slave trade – for over two decades. He would attempt new legislation again and again, only to face the disappointment of failure after failure. In 1807, Wilberforce would publish A Letter on the Abolition of the Slave Trade, citing Acts 17:26 as his rationale for ending slavery out of love for God and love for neighbor. All in all, it would take more than 30 years from the first address by Wilberforce in Parliament for slavery to be undone in the British Empire. Wilberforce died two days after the most decisive victory. We ought to remember that the next time we feel like giving up.
Thankfully for us, the movement toward freedom hopped over the pond and across the globe. You and I are still powerfully influenced by that special chapter of our history: “The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.”
What is your platform for living out your faith in Jesus Christ? If you’ve never thought about that, I would encourage you to make the answer to that question a matter of serious prayer and reflection. Ask a trusted friend to pray with and for you about this, and invite them to share with you how they envision your particular giftedness making a difference in the world. As I mentioned in my sermon Sunday, Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that our “good works” have already been planned by the Lord. Our job is to live out those good works with faithfulness and joy.
Don’t sell yourself short! You’re still here on Planet Earth for an important mission, and there’s no better place to be than doing what God has called you to do – and doing it with all your heart. Be willing to think outside the box, friends. As Newton told Wilberforce: “You are instrumental in promoting the cause of God and the public good.” You and I don’t have to choose between the two, and that is a very liberating thought in a confused culture.
I agree with Dr. Carson that our trajectory as a nation has been “to move toward freedom and justice for people.” And I would add that such a sweeping historical movement has been nothing less than a blessing from Almighty God – a blessing which you and I ought not take for granted. In large measure, friends, God has used His people to lead many of these significant changes: culturally, politically, and morally.
Let’s not shrink back now from being the people whose faith works!
Pastor Charles
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