Many who know me personally recognize I have a passion for public life and strong opinions about politics. I tend to be conservative in a number of my viewpoints. When I first heard about Juneteenth as a Federal holiday, I was confused. But, then again, I am not from Texas! Now, that I understand the history of Texas- I get it. I applaud the holiday and plan to celebrate it. I grew up knowing that President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation. For me, that document declared that the country would abandon the sin of slavery forevermore and equality was the gold standard. It would take Texas two and a half years to declare the same on June 19, 1865 (www.Juneteenth.com). But, they did. And we have struggled and largely succeeded in fulfilling those ideals. Praise God! The holy law of God had the effect of enslaving people because we are unable to live up to it. God’s solution all along was to ‘adopt’ us into His family and transform our identity and ultimately behavior from the inside out. In doing so, he made all believers brothers! Now that’s worth celebrating as a sort of ‘Juneteenth for Mankind’.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:4-7 NASB
How can I live today in the new identity I have- a son of God, filled by His Spirit? How intimate is my prayer life really?
God, as this day begins- could I venture to address You as my Heavenly Father? Sure. As my Abba (Daddy or Papa), I’m not sure I am ready. I do love it when my granddaughter gets excited and confused and calls me first Daddy (confusing me with Kai), then quickly Papa (grandpa). She is close to my heart. May I be close to Your heart God. As we minister to people today, may I see their great need and reach out and love them in Jesus’ name. Also, as I complete the preaching message for tomorrow- please help me communicate the Bible is ways that build people up. For any ‘Runnin’ on Empty’- I pray You will fill them to overflow!
