Celebrating Juneteenth

Reconciling Work of God

As pastor of a church with the vision to “demonstrate the reconciling work of God,” I join in welcoming the significant message celebrated by Juneteenth. Like many Americans, a few years ago I had never even heard of the event commemorated on this day.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks the day when on June 19th, 1865 union soldiers announced in Galveston, Texas the news that all slaves had been declared free. The Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by Abraham Lincoln two and half years prior to this. Finally, every person in the United States could take hold of their own independence and freedom.

Celebrating Juneteenth

This holiday is not just for those of African-American descent. It is an American holiday on which the darkest and most overt forms of evil manifested in slavery were over. For such violence and sin not only brought untold suffering for the enslaved, but also enslaved those in power to the demonic influence of greed and racism. While the powers of darkness were able to take on new forms and methods of injustice, the joy of this victory is one to celebrate for what it means and represents today.

A Work In Progress

The delay in obtaining freedom which should have been an inalienable right from the beginning, is also a reminder that we as a people are a work in progress. We are still on a journey toward a “more perfect union.” We are growing in an appreciation of each other’s stories of struggle and courage in overcoming great difficulties, and of the need for a deeper spiritual work of redemption. Ultimately, this deeper work can only be found in the work of the cross of Christ and the freedom Christ brings from the tyranny of sin and shame.

Ongoing Work of Reconciliation

May we in the church not be the last to recognize the need for the ongoing work of reconciliation and healing in our land. Rather, may we lead with the cross of Christ on the road of humility and compassion as those called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.