Today is a national holiday which commemorates the emancipation of African Americans in 1865. It is also referred to as “Freedom Day.” Although this is the national holiday, “Eighth of August” is recognized in Kentucky and Tennessee as the day of emancipation. The truth of the history of these days is that it was a long awaited freedom. This is not only due to the 200 plus years of slavery in America, but also due to the fact that the journey to freedom for some of the enslaved population took two years from the day Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to the day they were freed. Let’s take a look at the timeline that led to June 19, 1865 and to today’s commemoration.
January 1, 1863 The final Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Both Kentucky and Tennessee were excluded from this.
August 8,1863 Future President Andrew Johnson, then military governor of Tennessee, freed his slaves. Consequently the slaves in Kentucky and Tennessed were freed.
January 31, 1865 The Constitutional Amendment to abolish slavery passed both houses of legislature. (It would be ratified December 18, 1865)
April 9, 1865 The Civil War ended.
June 19, 1865 Enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom and became free citizens. This was the farthest western edge of the country and affected approximately 250,000 people.
Today we commemorate the long sought after, prayed for, and hard fought freedom of African Americans in 1865.
I can’t help but compare the vastly different timeline we have in our long sought after, prayed for, sometimes hard fought freedom from sin, death, and the power of the devil we experience.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
In one weekend, from His crucifixion on Friday to His resurrection Sunday morning, Christ set us free from the tyranny of the enemy who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10) our God-given identity and purpose.
Freedom in Christ is yours in an instant. You no longer need to live a life imprisoned by the chains of your past mistakes, lies of the enemy, labels that others put on you, self-limiting beliefs, and so much more. You are an adopted child of God—free to soar in who He created you to be doing what He created you to do.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
The website of the National Museum of African American Culture and History states, “Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.
The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.”
May we never give up hope, even in uncertain times. We have freedom and victory through Christ in whatever circumstances we face. It is why the apostle Paul could so confidently write,
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4: 11-13
It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Today as we commemorate the physical freeing of a whole people group, let us also remember the spiritual freedom instantly available to us all through Christ.
Let Freedom Ring!