Slavery ended in our country at the end of the Civil War more than 150 years ago. No son or daughter of a slave or slave owner is alive today, but in 2016 experts estimated there were still 40 million people in slavery worldwide.
Jesus teaches us that there are a whole lot more people than that in slavery. “Everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” Wow! That means every single person who has ever lived, from Adam to you and me, has experienced slavery whether they realize it or not. Sadly, far too many people experience it their entire life. Praise God, Jesus gives us the key to our shackles. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Of course, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and he explains why he is the only exception and the only one able to free us, “A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:32-36)
Jesus freed me from slavery to sin over 65 years ago and to this day I still find it indescribably amazing. As usual, there is a song that describes it much better than I ever could. I love to hear Lynda Randle sing it. It has become one of my personal worship songs.
“So long I had
searched for life’s meaning,
Enslaved by the world and my greed,
Then the door of the prison was opened by love,
For the ransom was paid – I was free.
I’m free from the
guilt that I carried,
From that dull empty life I’m set free,
For when I met Jesus, He made me complete,
He forgot the foolish child I used to be.
I’m free from the
fear of tomorrow,
I’m free from the guilt of the past,
For I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song,
I’m Free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!”