Clay Center, Kansas - Zuri screamed, “Mommy help me!” as her slave master, Mr. Nafi, beat her for accidently dropping and smashing a cup of tea for him. Zuri and her family were heartlessly kidnapped and sold for money by members of their own East African tribe to Arab slave traders. For 13 years on the seas, they served their cruel master. One day while in port Zuri was sent on an errand to purchase something for Nafi. The businessowner, Mr. Yacoub, took notice of Zuri as he was securing what her master requested. “What ship do you come from”, Yacoub said. When Zuri mentioned it, he replied, “I know it well and your master.” It was a popular slave port. Yacoub said to Zuri, “Let me go in back and give your master something extra for holding you a little long.” Yacoub came out, gave her a special item, along with an envelope for her master.
When she returned and gave Nafi the envelope, a large smile came over his face as he read and shouted “Yes!” Then he called Zuri and her family together, and told them to quickly gather all their things, “You are no longer mine. Off my ship. Leave! You are Mr. Yacoub’s now.”
When they arrived at Yacoub’s business he welcomed them exclaiming, “Praise God! You are the third family this month.”
Yacoub offered Nafi one month of food and other goods in exchange for Zuri’s family. For 10 years, Yacoub had been using the profits from his business to buy slaves and set them free. Why was he so passionate about this, because he used to be just like Zuri.
Some say that “freedom is the heart cry of the human soul.” But what exactly does freedom mean? Some think it means that you can say and do whatever you want. In that case, was Mr. Nafi free? He was free to buy and sell people and treat them as he chose. His freedom though, took away Zuri’s.
What does the deeper meaning of freedom refer to? What does slavery or imprisonment represent? Evil bondage. Why individuals (or even societies) need freedom is because they are bound by something sinister, that can be something within or without. Zuri needed freedom, because she was bound by something without. Her slave master. What about Mr. Nafi? He was a slave as well, bound by something within. Jesus once said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Nafi was enslaved to greed, hate, anger, pride, selfishness and cruelty. He looked at Zuri as the slave, but really, he was a slave too and did not know it.
Jesus declared about Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) What does truth have to do with freedom? Jesus also stated, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) What is true freedom? The ability to do and say as you want? No. Real freedom is found in the truth of Jesus. When He came from heaven to earth to suffer, die and rise again for all people, He did it to see humanity free from the evil within. For those who have trusted Christ they are able to agree with these words, “For freedom Christ has set us free…” (Galatians 5:1) Originally, we were created by the Lord God to be free, however, because we chose to go our own way, we became enslaved to our selfish passions and impulses, hurting ourselves and others. You no longer need to live this way. Today, step into the rivers of freedom like Mr. Yacoub. Take. Drink and be free!
A prayer for you – Lord God, I am bound by my own vices, impulses and pleasures. No more! Set me free. Today, I turn to Christ and by His power I will no longer hurt myself or others. Unbind me, O God, that I might follow you with all my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ***** Clint Decker is President of Great Awakenings.