Liberator

1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

Years ago, I read Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, “The Narrative of His Life; An American Slave.” In the book, he detailed his experiences of slavery in both Southern and Northern States. None of it was complimentary and, on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line, slaves were battered and abused. How he managed to escape and earn his freedom is remarkable journey of faith and fortitude, concentration and courage.

In his lifetime, Frederick Douglass became an icon for the Abolitionists in the North and, to this day, he is highly honored as an important figure in ridding this land of slavery. If you’ve never read the book, it’s one that I heartily recommend.

Slavery in New Testament times was just as bad. Human beings were subjected to the worst kind of ill-treatment by their Roman owners. The young Christian church was full of slaves because it was the one faith that offered them an equal opportunity of hope. Every other religion was based upon rewarding the powerful and blessing the great. Christianity was different. The everlasting promises of God and the bounty of immortality were offered to everyone, slave or free, rich or poor, Jew or Gentile.

Because there were no political or class barriers, the message preached was one of reconciliation and humility, service and peace. Peter’s words may sound unjust to us, for why should a slave not resent his or her master who beat them unfairly? But in those days, it was a radical message that liberated the victims from their oppressors – a gospel that eventually overcame the mightiness of the Roman Empire.

Today’s message may seem like a potted version of the history of slavery, but it’s more than that. It’s reminder that our true freedom is contained with our hearts and minds, our spirits and souls. No one can take that from us. ‘No one,’ as Paul writes in another famous passage, ‘can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Great Liberator of the souls of humankind. No matter who we are, what we have or what we do, we can come to You to be released from our sins and restored to God’s eternal freedom. Liberate us this day from the chains of our past mistakes, and lead us on to Your glorious Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.