400 years marks the arrival of 20 Africans on the shores of Ft. Monroe National Park in Virginia. Sadly, their arrival began 246 years of chattel slavery ending only with the Civil War in 1865. But then came years of Jim Crow brutal segregation lasting until 1965. Still today, many African Americans suffer from years of injustice. Some hope God will do again as he did for ancient Israel. During their 400 years of servitude, God molded them for their role in preparing for the Messiah to enter the world. God doubtless has a unique purpose for liberated African Americans today. It might well be to show the world His ability to use former slaves as examples of His wisdom, grace, and power to change the world. King David echoes this view when in 2 Samuel chapter 7. He says of God “You have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!” Today, God extends salvation to all, yet He reserves the right to use special people for His own unique purposes.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
