A Walk for Freedom

 

Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits,5 its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Genesis 6:11-18 ESV).

 

Juneteenth is an often overlooked event in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was the last “battle” for freedom initiated by the War between the States. Strangely, this day was not officially recognized until 2022 when President Biden declared the day a federal holiday. I cannot imagine the difficulty in the process for freedom so many have endured through the years since Lincoln first signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I do know many have been a part in that journey.

 

The history of this day reminded me of the experience of Noah. His story isn’t about escaping the flood but gaining freedom from death. His first step was to build the ark that would carry them through the destruction to come. There were specific instructions that God gave him in the process. It was not a simple project. In fact, it took between 100 and 120 years to finish construction and gathering the animals. Gathering materials, measuring, cutting, fitting, shaping, joining, finishing. Piece by piece, the ark took shape. God had commanded Noah to build an enormous lifeboat on dry land. It must have felt like an impossible, ludicrous project. Imagine the courage, resolve, and sheer stamina it took to work on the ark day after day as his neighbors mocked him.

 

God chose Noah for his faith. When he received God’s command, Noah didn’t hesitate. Though he may have had doubts, he acted in faith, step by step, until the ark was ready. Just like emancipation didn’t happen with the signing of a document, so our spiritual journey does not happen with one moment of initial faith. It is a journey. Our part is to walk the path God has given us in his strength. Doing that will bring us to our final victory and ultimate freedom!