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Slavery has existed throughout human history, but from the 15th to the 20th century, Europeans took it to new heights. As Europe conquered and dominated the continent of Africa to gain control of its rich resources, many Africans were killed or enslaved. Colonialism led to the brutal African American bondage. Today Africa is emerging from that long night of oppression, even though a lot of work is yet to be done. While we cannot fully fathom why one nation chooses to dominate another, it happens. But we know that when it occurs, God has a plan to judge those who do so. God is neither blind nor deaf to the cries of those who suffer, and when the time is ripe, He takes action. In Exodus chapter 6, God expresses His attitude toward the enslavement of ancient Israel. God speaks near the end of their 400-year ordeal of Egyptian slavery: “I am Yahweh—‘the LORD.’ … You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them. Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.’” When people suffer enslavement, exploitation, and injustice, God grieves. That is why His people today work hard to liberate those in bondage; they work to eliminate or reduce injustice and exploitation everywhere.
Slavery exists for two reasons: 1. Our foreparents in the Garden of Eden listened to a snake and cursed us with this mess we call “earthly problems”; and 2. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (I Timothy 6:10). The love of money motivated
Africans and Arabs to sell millions of people to the European Colonial powers–England, France, Holland, Portugal, Spain–and remove them to Europe and the New World. The love of money still motivates human traffickers today, who sell millions of men, women and children to slavers and bondage in most countries today, including the United States. The love of money motivated the transfer of American industries to Asia, so that the “captains of industry” could ruthlessly exploit Asian workers, who toil in slavery making our clothing and electronics.
Worker exploitation is rife in our world today, because the love of money is the root of ALL evil! The love of money continues to plague the Black Church–we’ve turned far too many worship services into endless Money Drive Marathons. When we start worshipping GOD and letting go of money drives, we will be able to claim our TRUE status in God–functioning members and congregations within the Body of Christ.