Calvary Family,

Today, June 19 (Juneteenth), is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. — also called Freedom Day and African American Independence Day. Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with this message: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” That was great news! However, that message didn’t arrive until 2 1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It didn’t arrive until several months after the 13th Amendment was passed by Congress, officially abolishing the institution of slavery. It was great news…but late news. It serves as a reminder that laws mean nothing until communicated and enforced.

In a couple of weeks, we are going to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation. There is a lot to celebrate and much to be grateful for. But today is a day to pause and reflect soberly on the painful historical reality that in July of 1776, our forefathers celebrated their new-found freedom while simultaneously denying that freedom to others for almost another 100 years. We can, and we must, be grateful for the positive aspects of our history without ignoring the negative aspects.

Deuteronomy records three occasions where the Lord told the Israelites through Moses to remember their slavery in Egypt. On each of these occasions, the reason they were to remember was to motivate them to treat those in need with mercy and compassion. Remembering the injustices they endured would persuade them from becoming like those who had oppressed them.

Remembering the shameful parts of our history is unpleasant, but it can also be beneficial if it motivates us to live differently. To ‘walk in the Spirit’ is to walk humbly before God. As we do, the Spirit will open our eyes to our previous blind spots and lead us to pursue justice and show mercy.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” -Micah 6:8

Pastor Randy

Calvary's Newsletter June 19