Proclamation

Proclamations in history include, but are not limited to: the French and Indian War, the dominions the French, British and Colonists fought, bought and outlined as their possession from the 1760’s through the 1800’s. The Map shown in this post by Jon Platek outlines the territories claimed by these entities.

I admit I was either asleep in History class or AWOP-Away With Out Permission. I didn’t learn about the Proclamation of 1763 until today. Yes, I’m still trying to reclaim a part of my life lost to the rebellious years of my youth and many times have to learn what others already know.

North America
1762-83
by Jon Platek-C

 

Proclamation, according to the on-line Webster’s Dictionary, is the act of saying something in a public, official, or definite way : the act of proclaiming something,

I read and hear a vast array of public announcements that are important to people most everyday through the media of television, radio, Newspaper, magazine, e-mail, Facebook or by word of mouth.

Sometimes, the broadcast is of the State of the Union Address or the News report of death, devastation and destruction brought about by terrorists in various parts of the world.

I’ve been apprised of announcements through the forum of Facebook concerning an anniversary, birthday, prayer request, a loved one’s passing, expecting a child or grandchild followed by the exciting news when the baby is born.

There are many more important proclamations in the categories of political, health and wellness, medical breakthroughs or outbreaks of disease, environmental discoveries or concerns.

One of the most known proclamations is the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. It was issued through executive order by President Abraham Lincoln.

“On September 22, 1862, Lincoln had issued a preliminary proclamation warning that he would order the emancipation of all slaves in any state that did not end its rebellion against the Union by January 1, 1863.  None of the Confederate states restored themselves to the Union, and Lincoln’s order, signed and issued January 1, 1863, took effect. It led many slaves to escape from their masters and get to Union lines to obtain their freedom. It wasn’t until 1865 that slavery and indentured servitude became illegal throughout the United States once ratified by the Thirteenth Amendment.” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Today is the National Holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his Declaration of Independence article written in 1962, Dr. King referred to the Emancipation Proclamation several times. As a Baptist Minister, he also, as did Abraham Lincoln and many others, believed that certain unalienable rights were granted by our Creator.

By using non-violence and civil disobedience, he led the  Civil Rights movement to abolish inequality for the Afro-Americans. No longer would there be segregation for those having skin of a different color.

History pages and the Holy Scriptures are filled with proclamations.

The meaning of Proclamation is relevant to me, not only from the various examples of the past, but also in my present day to day adventures.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed in Galatians 3:28(NIV);

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Today, on Martin Luther King Day, another proclamation is given. I reiterate the proclamation Jesus made in Matthew 22:37. And that is to love the your Lord God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Then, you will find true freedom and equality.

The day after I wrote Proclamation, I discovered another vital verse and hymn I have included in this post of Proclamation.

^“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

It coordinates with the hymn, “In Christ There Is No East or West”.

1.  In Christ there is no East or west, In Him no South or North;

But one great fellowship of love Thro’-out the whole wide earth.

2.  In Him shall true hearts eve’y-where Their high communion find;

  His service is the golden cord close binding all mankind.

3. Join hands then, brothers of the faith, what-e’re your race may be;

Who serves my Father as a son Is surely kin to me.

4. In Christ now meet both East and West; In Him meet South and North

all Christ-ly souls are one in Him Thro’-out the whole wide earth.

Written by John Oxenham, 1908

God provides true freedom and equality through the gift of His Son, Jesus. He sees us as equal and desires that we be free from the slavery of sin and death. Each has the opportunity to be forgiven and set free to follow Jesus.

John 3:16 is one of the Greatest Proclamations a of all time.”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have Eternal Life.”(NIV)

The proclamations of  President Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Apostles and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, resound equality, freedom, brotherly love and most importantly, loving God first and foremost.

I conclude the aforementioned list would be a Living Proclamation.

What is your Proclamation?

Please leave a comment and share.

 

 

 

 

Face To Facebook

Doc1facetofacereflectionRomans 8 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

 

   Have you done something that has wounded another individual(s) without having any intention of doing so, that you wish, if it were possible, could be rewound (no tacky pun meant) and done differently? If only I could have… Fill in the blank. Issues, issues, issues! Who wants them?

   What do you do with the issue of broken relationships that seemingly cannot be undone? You can’t go back and change anything, but you continue to live in the: should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve mentality. (Incidentally, it will make you a little more than mental to live there.)

   When we look in the light of Romans 8:28, we can allow God to work in our heart, in our weaknesses, and the circumstances surrounding the issues.  If we let him use what has occurred, whether they are caused by self or others, we then can become vessels that are reshaped for use.

   Then, they will know we are Christians be our love. What the world needs to see is how God can take offences we’ve caused and forgive, restore and heal. This will open the way for others to see Jesus, instead of our offences which prevents them coming to the Light.

   I was the offender needing God’s Grace. I needed to accept blame for the hurt I had inconsiderately caused others and I needed to let Jesus carry the grief that offended. When we offend others, it is also offends Christ. Oh, wounded hearts, there is Balm in Gilead. Jesus will take our sins, mistakes, sorrows, and pain when they are placed at the foot of his cross.

  Facing our wrong doing is the first step in the process of being free and forgiven. It allows us to look into the face of those we offended for mercy and love. While we are looking forward to seeing Christ one day soon face to face, let us look beyond offences done on Facebook.