This past Sunday, I was listening to a Black History poem, by one of our congregation members during our 11 AM service, and while--overall--the poem was an absolutely wonderful walk through the African-American historical struggle, in the summation of the poem there was a reference to the fact that, even now as African-Americans, "we are not truly free". And when I heard this, two thoughts instantly came to my mind: (1) This statement is in direct opposition to what Jesus says, in John 8:31-32, " If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free", and, possibly just as disturbing, (2) That, sadly in the modern Church, even though many of us profess Christ as LORD, we still--nevertheless--don't understand or know all the benefits of our salvation.
Disturbingly, many Christians feel that the only benefits that come from the Gospel are that "Jesus died for our sins, and by believing in Him we can have everlasting life". And while this is definitely true, another benefit that comes from the Gospel is that the work of Christ has indeed freed us--not only from sin, but from struggles, insecurities, unrighteous works, as well as any false hopes we put in this world.
In saying all of this, my mind goes back to the old Negro Spiritual Songs such as "Soon ah will be done" and "Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot", and how these songs encouraged African-Americans to rest in the pleasure in Christ, despite their existence in an unpleasureable world. In other words, despite the struggles and injustices, they were encouraged to look to something better--namely, a Savior that would not only save their soul and carry them to a heavenly reward, but One that had freed them from the frustrations and hurts they faced on a consistent basis. In short, He became their joy in a world of sorrow. And I believe that this is a truth that must resonate--not only with African-American believers--but with the Body of Christ, as a whole.
Jesus told all believers, "In this world, you will have tribulation. BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD"! Despite all the heartaches, struggles, and frustrations that this world will constantly bring, our confidence and hope is found in the righteousness of Christ. It is through Him that we have received victory over all our sin and despair and, because of such, we are free and can enjoy and rest in the victory we have in Him! And, when we truly understand all of this, we can excitingly quote these words from another famous Negro Spiritual:
I'm gonna lay down this world
Gonna shoulder up my burdens
Gonna take it home to my Jesus
Ain'ta that'a good news
