The writer of Hebrews knew something about struggle. He wrote to a people battered by empire, pressured by religious authorities, and tempted to retreat into what felt familiar. Their world was shaking, and fear whispered that going backward was safer than pressing forward. But the Holy Spirit spoke a different word: Run! Strip down! Persevere! Don’t quit!
That word still speaks today—especially to a people who know the weight of oppression, the sting of injustice, and the long ache of waiting for freedom. The Black Church has always been a witness to God’s liberating power. From hush harbors to freedom marches, from spirituals sung in chains to sermons preached in defiance of segregation, our faith has never been passive. It has been a freedom movement, a holy refusal to bow to systems designed to break us.
Yet, the attack continues. There has been a consistent, relentless effort to erode our strength. And in the face of that erosion, Hebrews calls us to a discipline of liberation.
Strip down! Let go of the empire’s lies about our worth. Release the shame placed on us by systems that profit from our pain. Lay aside yesterday’s wounds so they don’t block tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Liberation begins with shedding what was never ours to carry.
Start running! Liberation is intentional. Abraham ran toward obedience even when the command made no sense. Moses ran toward the Red Sea even when the path looked impossible. Our ancestors ran toward freedom with nothing but faith in their pockets. We run because God has marked out a race for us—a race toward justice, dignity, and collective flourishing.
Never quit! Not because we are strong enough, but because Jesus is faithful enough. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is an act of resistance. It is choosing a Savior who breaks chains, not one used to reinforce them. It is choosing joy beyond suffering, hope beyond despair, and liberation beyond oppression.
(We invite your comments. Feel free to share this devotion with your friends and invite them to subscribe by forwarding their email address to the Pastor at: fredjeffsmith@gmail.com)
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