Oh, FreedomSample

Jacob Burkle was an unusual abolitionist in Memphis, Tennessee. After immigrating to the United States from Germany in the 1840s, this businessman faced pressure to participate in the Southern slavery system, in order to be successful. So Jacob Burkle came up with an ingenious scheme. He attended a slave auction, purchased several slaves, and took them to his home where he did ask them to help with his work.

However, Jacob then lodged the slaves in his basement, connected to a hidden exit tunnel, and let the slaves know they were free to leave. Burkle waited until the slaves had escaped before reporting them gone—and then returned to a slave auction, purchased several more slaves, and repeated the freedom cycle. How much more has Jesus paid the price for us through His crucifixion and resurrection.

Jesus frees us as He promises to carry all of our burdens. His love extends to every human being: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). God declares we are free and gives purpose to our freedom as we do what we can to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). -Sharon Norris Elliott

Prayer: Lord, show me the people who need my help, and supply to me the resources to help them.