Background
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States of America, and it marks the end of slavery in our country. More than 250,000 enslaved people were set free in Texas on June 19, 1865. This occurred two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Think About It
As a country, we get to celebrate God’s love, grace, and mercy. God heard His children’s cries, and He freed them. Of course, the road to “true” independence in America was almost impossible for them. They had an insurmountable amount of obstacles to overcome: poverty, illiteracy, restrictive laws, and cold-hearted people who would rather kill them than help them. Unfortunately, our shattered past still haunts and divides this nation. (Some people refuse to acknowledge this day). You could fall into that category, but these lingering effects should not diminish the significant blessing that occurred on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas.
Juneteenth is a reminder that God will not leave us or forsake us. (Someone needs to hear that today). God had us in mind when he set the people free: descendants of slaves and slave owners. Their suffering was not in vain. Yes! There was suffering on both sides. Some would argue that a mean spirited slave owner didn’t suffer; however, I respectfully disagree. Evil costs and Satan collects. “But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). We are the answers to our descendants prayers. God has blessed this nation. He’s been good to us! We cannot allow Satan to manipulate us and steal our joy like he did in the past. He has no place in our lives or nation.
As a nation under God, we can celebrate Juneteenth. This is not about race. This is not a political move. This is not about guilt or shame. That’s the trick of the enemy. This is about God’s love and provision. The same God who freed us through the blood of Jesus is the same God who freed the remaining slaves in America on June 19, 1865. In that, we can rejoice! Think about it. Then, go to the Father, and pray about it.
Happy Juneteenth
In the body of Christ, some people have strong opinions about Juneteenth that place them at odd with other Christians. If you fall into this category, please take those concerns to the Father.
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