June 19 Is Important in African American History

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Even though African American slaves were set free with the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863, many in Texas did not get the news until June 19, 1865. That’s when General Granger landed there with the news. June 19th, which today is celebrated as Juneteenth, was a happy day for those slaves. But a far happier day was the day Christ arose from the dead. The Apostle Paul explained one of the benefits of His death and resurrection. In his letter to the Ephesians 3, Paul wrote that God shattered the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. God created the church, which includes everyone who professes faith in His Son. There is no longer a wall between these two people groups. Paul was so excited about his role in sharing this Good News that he wrote, “Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Paul declares that because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, all who accept Jesus Christ have unfettered access to God because of our union with Christ. This access is open to everyone equally: Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, Blacks, whites — every ethnic group. We all have unfettered access to God by faith in Jesus. So let us draw near; enjoy the benefits of God’s love, wisdom, and power.