“For if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
In the United States, February is Black History Month when African Americans are celebrated. I live in Northwest Ohio and a very interesting part of our history is the story of the Underground Railroad. Until 1863, slaves were widely used in the southern half of the country, but some were able to escape their slave masters for a new life in the northern states or Canada. Although there were Underground Railroad networks throughout the country, even in the South, Ohio, a free state, had the most active network with 3000 miles of routes used by escaping runaways. It also had a large Quaker population who helped them on their way.
Of course, there was no railroad, nor was it underground. These terms concealed the activities since helping escaping slaves was against the law. The railroads came into existence around the 1830s, so terms were used that were commonly associated with railroads.
- Slaves were called cargo or passengers
- Hiding places or safe houses were called stations
- Guides leading escapees were called conductors
- People helping or guiding them were called agents
- People providing financially were called stockholders
Before 1863, my city of Sylvania was a hotbed for the Railroad because it was one of the last stops in Ohio, close to Detroit where slaves were taken across the Detroit River to Canada. Families would shelter, feed, clothe, nurse, conceal, disguise and guide runaway slaves on their way to the next stop. Some families risked everything to secure freedom for people they did not know. Slaves were hidden in compartments behind oven doors, and secret passageways led to rooms where they could rest until the coast was clear. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for Me.” Matthew 25:40.
If it wasn’t for the courage, determination and ingenuity of escaping slaves, the Railroad would be a minor footnote in our country’s history. Hiding in the woods by daylight and traveling at night, it was a difficult journey. Once they crossed the Ohio River, they had to trust people they didn’t know to help them. Winter was the most active time when the river froze over and runaways could cross without a boat. It was also more dangerous. Many would go back repeatedly to help others at great risk to themselves. It was amazing to think of the strength of the human spirit to be free! “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” John 8:36.
Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. It declared “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states shall be free.” This reminds me that every human being is born with a sinful nature and we are all slaves to sin. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to this earth as a man, died on a cross as a sacrifice to set us free! Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means all of us have sinned, you, me and everyone else! None of us are good enough for heaven! The payment for sin is death, but God has a wonderful gift for you! It’s the gift of eternal life! It will set you free and give you a hope and a home in heaven. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Turn to Him today! It’s such a simple thing! “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12. Don’t wait another moment, trust Jesus Christ today and begin a life of freedom through Him!
Your friend, Jean