In 1871, young man and women from Fisk University formed a musical ensemble to raise money for their school. Known as the Fisk University Jubilee Singers, back then, they traveled the country wooing audiences with slave songs. They relived the grueling suffering of slavery while being but grateful for their new freedom. This was not at all unlike ancient Israel who often recalled their torturous Egyptian slavery, and how God set them free, claimed them as His own, and gave them a homeland. We read Psalm 135 how they gave thanks for their freedom to worship. “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord, you who serve in the house of the Lord.” Today, all of God’s children can praise Him for who He is and for the many ways He comes to our rescue. We’re especially grateful for God’s salvation plan. William Newell wrote, “O the love that drew salvation’s plan! Oh the grace that brought it down to man! Oh the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary.” Today we must not lose sight of the enormous benefits we enjoy because we are united to God through His Son. He deserves our undivided loyalty.
Photo Credit: Deep Roots Magazine
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
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
