Our Daily Bread: Voices of FaithSample

The Greatest Escape

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. -Ephesians 6:12

My ancestor John Freeman Walls ran away alongside his slave master’s wife on a perilous journey to freedom along the Underground Railroad from North Carolina to Canada.

On routes to freedom, “conductor” Harriet Tubman also led some three hundred slaves from Southern plantations to Upper Canada, known as “New Canaan.”

With the North Star above and the light of God within, slaves hoped in God’s promises, including the freedom stories in Exodus. Though reading was forbidden, slaves could listen to stories and sermons on Sundays, a highlight in their drudgery.

Southern slaves could embrace God’s promise of escape to the Israelite slaves: “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment” (Exodus 6:6).

God created all humans in His likeness, endowing us with His free will that causes each of us to want to be free. Like His commanding message to Pharaoh, “Let the Israelites go” (Exodus 6:11), God inspires all people to pursue spiritual freedom through Jesus Christ.

All who believe by faith in His life, death, and resurrection gain freedom over the power of sin through the greater power of His Holy Spirit. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Kim D. Elliott

To whom do you turn when you find yourself facing bondage?

Thank you, God, for my ancestors, who stood fast in the liberty that comes from You. I look to You and give You all the praise.