Taking a Risk

John Parker had it made. In the first 150 years of America's history everyone was not free; many were slaves. Men, women, boys and girls were listed as property, owned by another. John Parker after two failed attempts to escape his Southern slave owner; finally got his freedom. He chose to live in Ripley, Ohio on the freedom side of the Ohio River. He got his own house and made it a home. He got a good job and began to make his own money. He was finally safe, secure and successful. But then he started doing something at night. Night after night, John Parker risked it all. For what you may ask? Under the cover of darkness, he would row across the Ohio River to the slave side in Kentucky. Now, if he was caught he could lose his freedom; he could lose his life. In spite of the risks, John Parker went looking for runaway slaves. It is said the John Parker was responsible for at least 900 slaves going free. I want you to get the picture! We see a liberated slave, taking great risks because he can't leave other slaves where he once was. It was because of his efforts that many were able to put these four words on their tombstones, words that powerfully told their life story: "Born Slave, Died Free". Those words could be put on my tombstone too. Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, (made live) who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved ;)

Ephesians 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: I was born a slave to sin; no one had to teach me to lie and steal and cuss and a number of wrongs. But one day a John Parker stepped into my life. His name was Ken and he told me about the Lord Jesus Christ and what He had done for me and a few days later I was made alive. Now I can say "Born Slave and one day will Die Free". That's what we should do this week, take a risk and be a John Parker to someone and see if we can liberate someone. Are you willing to take the risk? Every Friday night I see those who were in bondage to drugs, alcohol, pornography and other things being a John Parker for others willing to take the risk. Get out of the comfort zone and take a risk.