Freedom Song
Archie Williams spent 36 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He was finally exonerated in 2019 and auditioned for America’s Got Talent a few weeks ago. His audition and story went viral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShgOH1u78XA) not only because of his soulful singing (he sang Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me) but also because of his indefatigable spirit.
I just turned 37 last week and can’t imagine spending 36 years in imprisonment, especially for something I did not do. The injustice, the stress of surviving daily prison life, and the seeming indifference of the world would have driven me to despair.
But Archie never gave up.
In 1995, 12 years into his prison sentence, Archie wrote to Innocence Project Co-Founder Barry Scheck asking him for legal assistance, “As the years go by I sit here year after year, it’s like no one cares . . . But by the grace of God I’m still holding on hoping and praying in faith that someone will answer my letter and help me.”
From 1995 until 2019 Barry Scheck persevered with Archie to prove his innocence. Finally, Archie is now free to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional singer.
Sometimes, life can feel like we’re paying for the sins of others. The world and our own circumstances are filled with examples of undeserved suffering and pain. The coronavirus pandemic has heightened our anxiety, fears and sense of loss.
But we are not alone. We have an Advocate, a Redeemer, who perseveres to free us. In fact, He willingly took on our death sentence, so that we could have eternal life. And He fights for us:
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 13:13,14 NIV).
Insert whatever troubles you at the moment into the word “Egyptians” and re-read that passage. Claim the promise that the Lord cares and is fighting for you. It may take time, patience, hope and faith – but He will deliver. And when at last you are free from whatever imprisons you, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings:
“The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17)
What a moment that will be, when Jesus sings our freedom song.
by: Jinha Kim
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14