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Chapter 13 The Joseph Generation The Curse Becomes A Blessing Riches in Times of Poverty Rare is the man that sees through the eyes of God. We usually call such men prophets and saints and yet, these men live in every generation. God never leaves himself without a true Pentecostal witness. Among God's many witnesses were a group of prophets that historians have passed by. These chosen vessels were the poorest of the poor and yet they were given the full riches of Christ's kingdom. (Matt. 5:3) These dear saints were the Blacks and slaves of America. Man viewed them as small but God calls them great and we all owe them an eternal debt of gratitude. Some of these will unquestionably sit on the right and left hand of our Lord. (Mark 10:40) The Joseph Generation originated in Africa. Like Joseph of old these unfortunate people were bound by their brothers and sold into slavery. In the land of their affliction they were resold and served with rigor. Although, our Black brothers came to America in chains, they put aside bitterness and took hold of the Gospel and its message of freedom. They further embraced Christ's own nature of forgiveness and have rendered good for evil. Through their unwavering faith and spirituality, European America has been refreshed in the Pentecostal Baptism. Our Black brothers have been like Joseph, who, blessed Egypt and many other nations. Millions of Latinos have also embraced the Afro-Evangelical Gospel and thus, have incorporated the Pentecostal experience into their culture which was already one of faith and joyous celebration. Modern Theologians make light of the PENTECOSTAL movement because of its direct link to Black spirituality. They cynically reminded us that modern PENTECOSTALISM started among Blacks, Hispanics and poor uneducated whites. Glory to God! Jesus the Son of God had a similar beginning. He therefore, seeks for the "God chosen . . . poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him." (James 2:5) God's kingdom is made up of Blacks, Latinos, Whites, prostitutes, drug addicts, and sinners of every evil description. These all have the highest of human virtues which is a hunger for God. Finally, these besmirched people have knelt at the Cross of Christ and have found eternal salvation! Conversion to Christ When slaves were first introduced to Christianity they testified of being "Born again" and receiving a new heart! During their conversions they were smitten dead by the Spirit and raised into a new life. This transformation might take place in the field, in a grove, at the camp meeting, in their quarters or during one of their own meetings. Slaves found joy in the thoughts of the afterlife. In that heavenly realm there will be no master or servant and no work to be done. Best of all there will be sweet Jesus that loves us all! During the ante-bellum days, black and white preachers itinerated from plantation to plantation to bring the Gospel to the slaves. The slaves had no fulfillment in the dead formality of European Churches. Rather, they loved the free spirited worship of the Methodists and Baptists. Among these the slave's joyous and Biblical form of worship could find full expression. A seeker could travail and groan in repentance. Next, shouts of joy and praise could be offered before God's throne in thanksgiving. The slaves would sometimes find it necessary to "steal away to Jesus." There, they could give vent to their deep love for God. Let's follow the well worn path of the slave and find our own hiding place in Christ. Blacks in Revival In the revival of 1801 at Cane Ridge, Kentucky, the most enthusiastic participants were the Africans and the children. We are told that the moral climate of America was changed through these meetings. Eventually, many Europeans cooled in their spirits but the Blacks incorporated that revival into their culture and prayed until America was turned upside down. Finally, all Blacks were set free. God truly answered their prayers! One ex-slave recounts that during fierce thunderstorms the masters hid in their feather beds, but the slaves went outside to lift their hands and thank God that judgment day was coming soon. 75
In Francis Asbury's America, we find a widely published engraving of a camp meeting in the early 1800s. In this illustration the white people are rejoicing with hands raised. Some seem to be spinning and one has fainted away and is being assisted while most are watching. Cane Ridge embodied far more spirit than was indicated in that old drawing. 76 Conversely, the Blacks were not depicted so cautiously. In their revival the illustrator shows a total "hallelujah breakdown" with few left standing and all joining in praise. 77 The author makes no comment about the picture and none is needed. Truly, the Blacks had touched the throne of Jesus! Their lamps were full, burning and waiting for his coming. ---------------------------- 75 Lecture Nine, The Religion the Slaves Made, --Terry Matthews, http://www.wfu.edu/~matthetl/south/nine.html , 10/23/98, Internet 76 Francis Asbury's America, --Terry D. Billhartz, Francis Asbury Press, 1984, p. 100 77 ibid., p. 86 _____________________ Pentecost Has Come In 1906 the great PENTECOSTAL movement came to Azusa Street, Los Angeles. God used a Black preacher William Seymour that ultimately blessed the world. We are informed, "As the people came they would fall under the power, and the whole city was stirred. The sick were healed and sinners were saved just as they came in." A witness said, "The news spread far and wide that Los Angeles was being visited with a rushing mighty wind, from heaven. The how and why of it is to be found in the very opposite of those conditions that are usually though necessary for big revival. No instruments of music are used, none are needed. No choir. Bands of angels have been singing that which is inspired by the Holy Ghost. No collections are taken. No bills have been posted to advertise the meeting. No church organization is back of it. All who are in touch with God realize as soon as they enter the meeting that the Holy Ghost is the leader. One brother states that even before his train entered the city he felt the power of the revival. Travelers from afar wend their way to the headquarters at Azusa Street. There, they find a two-story whitewashed store building. You would hardly expect heavenly visitation there unless you remember the stable at Bethlehem. But here they find a mighty Pentecostal revival going on from ten o'clock in the morning until about twelve o'clock at night. Pentecost has come to hundred of hearts." 78 The Azusa Revival is recognized as "ground zero" for today's PENTECOSTAL movement. Thus, today's worldwide revival found a launching pad in those meetings. Although, God was simultaneously pouring out his spirit in many places Azusa Street was briefly the center of attention. God's Atomic Bomb of Faith (1860s) Once America's Blacks received the Gospel they were no longer slaves. At the moment of conversion they became sons of Abraham (Romans 2:29) and were entitled to all the blessing of their father. (Gal. 3:14) Thus, the slaveholders became marked for a fall. "For thus saith the LORD of hosts. . . for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." (Zechariah 2:8) At a religious meeting in 1801 in Piedmont, North Carolina, three young men fell beneath the hand of God while cutting whips to punish some Blacks who were crying for mercy. "The three persecutors struck with the power of God . . . and never rose until God spoke peace to their souls." 79 This was only the beginning. Finally a nation would lie prostrate before God and cry for mercy. Yes, God said, "Let my people go!" ---------------------------------- 78 With Signs Following, -- Stanley Frodsham, Gospel Publishing House, 1946, p.32-33 79 Pentecostal Manifestations, --Rev. W. H. Turner, Printed by Publishing House of P.H. Church 1947 p. 24 ____________________________ Volumes have been written about the causes of the Civil War and how that slavery was only a part of the larger story. Nevertheless, all of these opinions are simply mans thinking. In truth God was delivering his people through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm." (Deuteronomy 5:15) People that pray in the Spirit change the world. . Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people (NATIONS) for thy life. (In Psalm 47:3 the word people is translated as nations.)
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