Emancipation!

When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 he declared that all slaves "from thenceforward shall be forever free". He also stated that anyone holding slaves would be in rebellion against the United States.

Now I'm sure there were many freed slaves who did not know of the their freedom and there were rebellious slave owners who did not want their "slaves" to know the truth. They may have rationalized their control by stating, "They won't be able to handle freedom. They are like children or worse animals that need to have a master." Whatever their rational, they did not want to lose their power and control and economic benefits of having the "one up" position.

But what happened when the news of freedom moved onto the plantation? Did the "slaves" remain slaves? Some did, of course, but most celebrated and received the news with joy. I'm sure fear was mixed in with the joy, because with freedom comes much responsibility; but, those who embraced the truth were forever changed. This change forever altered the power structures and systems even though the powers have continuously sought new ways to enslave and keep the upper hand.

You probably see a correlation coming. Christ has emancipated the whole world in His life, death and resurrection. He has defeated death and secured our resurrection in Himself - He is the Resurrection and Life and ALL will be raised in Him!

The question today and on the last day is do you want freedom? Do you want Jesus? He has emancipated you and broken the chains of death's slavery and exposed it for the empty power that it is. Do you love life or death? Freedom or slavery? Choose...

Now there are powers and systems that have done well hiding the truth of your emancipation. They have built big buildings and empires selling you what has already been freely given.

They have held out the threat of death's beating if you don't jump through their hoops for their personal gain. Not knowing the truth and having the mind of slave, what were you to do? You acted as slaves and said "Yes Masta!"

Hear today this proclamation: Christ has set you free and overcome your death! You will be raised in Him as surely as He is Lord of All and Above All! Choose - freedom or "slavery".