1 John 3:1-3
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
As we come to the close of Black History Month I’d like to discuss a few significant things about our journey. First of all, I want to remind all black folk that have found themselves displaced from Mother Africa that we were not, and are not descendants of slaves. That’s right! We are descendants of kidnapped youths that were enslaved. There’s a big difference. We are victims of a cruel and sick psychology that systematically attempts to destroy our confidence, self worth, esteem and internal fortitude in order to control us. We were kings, queens, princesses and princes. We were lawyers, doctors, mathematicians and geniuses. We were not less than, ignorant, weak, unintelligent, soulless creatures. We were children that were abducted by psychopathic deviants. And the sad reality is that much of the carnage was directed by those pretending to be Christians.
So, I admonish you to never, ever refer to your relatives or yourself as slaves. Slaves are a state of mind. Enslavement is a temporary state of being. Slaves remain bound even when the chains are broken. The enslaved might have chains, but they remain forever free. John 8:36 declares If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
There’s no surprise, as we look where God has brought us from, why we excel and exceed in the harshest of environments. It really doesn’t matter the circumstances or situations, God has always given us the stamina and strength to endure. And even when things have looked their darkest, God had our enemies and foes assist us in victory. I’m reminded of the story of Joseph where he responded to his brothers that had done him wrong, Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. And it is certain the same can be said about our outstanding people. But our journey is far from complete.
I know many women look at our scripture this morning with distain because it appears to exclude them when it says, Beloved, now are we the sons of God. Many use this text to argue there’s gender bias in the Bible. But in doing so you miss one of the great blessings of salvation. Unfortunately, the English language has a very limited range of expression; and certainly lacks the ability to convey deep spiritual truths. But let’s try to unpack this.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the saint in Galatia, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.(3:28). He did this because the Hebrew law was inconclusive regarding participation in the faith. Paul,made it clear that any definitions of a Christian rising from the New Testament Church are all encompassing. Everyone that believes gets every promise and reward equally. Paul writes again on this subject to the Romans (8:16-17) The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs:heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
You may be a female, but in Christ you receive the full benefits of the first born Son. And though I am a male, I am waiting right with you sisters to become the bride of Christ. Heaven does not have these earthly distinctions. So, together we strive for righteous. Our struggles exemplify our strength, virtue and victory in Christ Jesus. So, What’s Next? Hold on and soon and very soon we will be changed. But this time, eternally, forever free!
God Bless
