CELEBRATE FREEDOM PART TWO
By Gail K. Kachnycz 30 June 2024
The story of
Juneteenth (published 6/26/24) has a spiritual parallel that I began to see more clearly as I
researched the topic for that post. The correlation emerged as I
identified the timeline of events that led up to the release of all enslaved
people in Texas. Historical dates were never my strong point. My investigation
revealed that the Emancipation Proclamation was to take effect January 1, 1863,
but the slaves in Texas were not freed until two and a half years later. Why
was there such a delay?
First, I had to
set aside my 21 st Century mindset, with 24 hour news coverage and instant
access by phone in any location. Printed copies of the Proclamation would not
be accessible to an illiterate population of African Americans. Even if the
message had been sent by telegraph, the most rapid form of communication in the
1860’s, those in power would have no reason to comply with the mandate, because
there were no troops in place to enforce the order. Texas, the most western
state in the Confederacy, was not occupied by Union soldiers. When I learned
this, it was my “ah-hah” moment. Texas was waiting to see who would win the
war.
If the
Confederate States had been successful in defeating the Union, Texas would have
gone on as before, with no change. The Emancipation Proclamation would have no
jurisdiction in a separate sovereign nation. However, with the surrender by
General Robert E. Lee to General Grant on April 9, 1865, the Confederacy began
to crumble. By June, Union forces reached Texas. At the time, Galveston was a
thriving port and the largest city in Texas. Surrender terms were formally
signed June 2, 1865 by General Edmund Kirby aboard the USS Fort Jackson in
Galveston Harbor. Sixteen days later, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in
Galveston with 2,000 Union troops. With the manpower now in place to enforce
the decree, Granger issued the emancipation order the very next day, June 19th.
[https://easttexashistory.org/items/show/160 accessed 6/26/2024]
I hope that you are also seeing the spiritual parallel. How often are we held captive by fears or lack of belief? The scriptures are our Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the truth of God’s word. However, we may look at the circumstances around us, thinking that is our reality. The truth is,
we are free because Jesus won
the battle.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated sin and death. The Devil must surrender. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit into the world and into our hearts, the “manpower” to enforce the freedoms that the victorious Christ obtained for us.
What fear is
holding us captive?
Worry? Jesus
won that battle.
Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Financial
collapse? Jesus won that battle.
And my God shall
supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians
4:19 NKJV
Damaged
relationships? Jesus won that battle.
For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37 NKJV
The death of a
love one? Our own death? Jesus won that battle.
For God so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should
not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
Chaos and
upheaval in the world around us? Jesus won that battle.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV
Whatever
distressing thoughts may crop up, immobilizing us and robbing us of our
freedom, we need to remember: Jesus won that battle; we are free.
And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 NKJV
Therefore if the Son
makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 NKJV
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