32 The Defiant Slave
In the early 1800s, slaves were being auctioned off at a fair in Mississippi. Most of the slaves were passive and did not resist the proceedings. However, there was one defiant slave at the auction. He was beaten a lot in the past for refusing to serve anyone. None of the plantation owners wanted to buy this slave. However, a man in a black top hat, a stranger to the those parts, bought the slave.
As the man led the slave away, the slave shouted and cussed at the man. "I will never serve you! I won't do anything for you! You can beat me until I am maimed or I die, but I refuse!" shouted the slave angrily at the man.
However, the man in the black top hat was silent and gave no heed to the defiant slaves' profane speeches. After they walked about 5 miles or so, the man stopped and looked at the defiant slave solemnly. The slave was struck by the look in the man's eye, and he stopped his vocal protests. The man calmly took out his key and unchained the slave.
"Sir, my name is Abe. I am from the North. Where I am from, we don't believe in slavery. I bought you at a price at the auction, so you are mine. However, I set you free. You may go where you wish, but you should head up North where there is more freedom."
The slave looked at the man in the black top hat in astonishment. He couldn't believe that he was set free just like that.
"I'm free to go, just like that?" whispered the slave, his voice breaking.
"Just like that," smiled the man in the black top hat.
The slave fell down to his knees and cried out, "Master, let me go with you! I will go wherever you go! I will serve you forever!"
We are all slaves of sin, doomed to death and separation from God. However, we were all purchased with the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle writes that we can live a new life in Jesus Christ and now be a slave of righteousness in obedience to God. Please pray and Jesus into your life and He will help you break the shackles of sin weighing down your life!
- Recommended reading: Romans 6:13-23
