Day Twenty-Three
Rev. Andrea L. Walker
ELCA- Global Mission Area Program Director West Africa
Chicago, Illinois
2 Samuel 7.18-22
Galatians 4.1-7
The writer of Galatians repeatedly reminds us that we are no longer slaves. He seems to be trying to convince us that we are set free—all of us-- through God’s gift of love that is Jesus the Christ. Yet, when I read a passage of scripture and see the word slave, I have a visceral reaction. As an African American I cannot help myself. This word in scripture has been used over and over again to support a cruel history in the Americas. So, I wondered, can I focus on this text from Galatians? Then I went with a friend to view the movie, 12 Years a Slave and I knew I had to.
From this true story we again here the words of scripture spoken to justify the institutions of slavery. Here is the basic premise: Solomon a free black man who makes his living as a musician and lives in the Northern United States with his wife and two children is convinced to go to Washington DC to work. One night as he goes to celebrate with his traveling companions he is encouraged to drink, he passes out and when he awakes he finds himself in shackles. This black man who had always been free now finds himself being sold into slavery. He was no longer free but bound.
This movie tells the horrific tale of slavery in the American context. It is a commentary, in our “post racial” world, on the history many would just as soon forget. The context of slavery in scripture, although common, was not the same. Slavery might have been about the difference in ethnic background or socio-economic status, or because of the spoils of war, but not necessarily about the color of ones’ skin. There were also agreements upon how one could gain freedom. Often male Israelite slaves were released after seven years of service. Others were granted freedom as wedding gifts. In this fourth chapter of Galatians the idea of slavery here is akin to being a minor. As a minor, one is owner of property but also subject to “guardians and trustees,” but not overseers and whips.
Even while the state of slavery in scripture is not the harsh reality that this country lived through, God comes to improve the state. The writer of Galatians utters an incredible promise: “So you are no longer a slave but a child and if a child then also an heir, through God.” What God news… God has come to set us free, not to have us bound one to another but heirs, children of God—all of us.
There was not much good news in the movie, but eventually, Solomon regains his freedom. This movie reminds us of our history and serves as we imagine how repercussions of slavery in American still permeate our society. Galatians aids in the recovery of the word “slave.” May we learn from our history and take to heart the words of the writer of Galatians, remembering we are all through faith in Jesus the Christ heirs, children of God and set free.
___
Let us pray: Gracious God, may our faith in you through the gift you give in Jesus the Christ help us to always look at each other as your children, despite race, ethnicity, class, culture or sexual orientation. Remind us that we all are your children made in your image to share our faith in Jesus the Christ and your love with the world.
Comments
Post a Comment