The Freedom Ride
A Four Part Devotional Through Black History
Part one - HEARING THE CRY
“Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:9-10 NLT)
In Exodus 3, while tending to his father-in-law’s sheep, Moses turns aside from his obligations and marvels at a burning bush. And through that bewilderment, God transforms curiosity into purpose. In other words, by “turning aside” and marveling, Moses received wisdom from God to address the people who were suffering. Hence, our curiosity attunes our lives towards our purpose; and in 1961 James Farmer, the director for the American Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), similarly got curious, and out of his curiosity came purpose.
Curious about why numerous states continued enforcing segregation even though the Supreme Court ruled that segregated interstate buses were unconstitutional, James Farmer decided to act on his curiosity in hopes of helping the dark and frustrated travelers. Thus, in a historic campaign entitled the “Freedom Rides,” a mixed-race and mixed-gender group of activists would travel from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans, Louisiana sitting side by side to challenge segregation on buses and bus terminals. Therefore, through Farmer’s curiosity and bewilderment, many African American cries were being addressed. So, as we start this journey, like Moses and Farmer, I invite you to consider what in your life is bewildering you right now? Is there an injustice that God wants to attune you to? How will you respond?
Photo of James Farmer
Reflection Questions
1. Imagine yourself in the story with the burning bush. Scripture says that the bush was burning on a mountain, meaning it was visible and in sight. Therefore, if you passed by the bush on the mountain would you be like Moses and put your things aside, or will you continue with your business and disregard the sight?
What “burning bushes” is God inviting you to marvel at? Will you be bold enough to turn aside and hear what He has to say to you?
2. After attuning your ears to God, invite Him to answer what is the call that you want me to respond to? Maybe it’s local, maybe it’s familial, maybe it’s environmental, or maybe it’s internal; ask the Lord to attune your heart to the cries around you, and he will guide you on how to respond. There are people crying who long for your response. The Lord desires to use you, will you allow yourself to be used?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)