Uncle Tom

I read the book Uncle Toms Cabin a while ago and it left quite the impression. I see pictures when I read so the images of parts of his life still flash in my mind from time to time. Josiah (Uncle Tom) was able to endure such a hard life because he lived in the presence of Jesus. This is why he endured the horrors of slavery with a good disposition. He was able to be kind to everyone he met because he saw them how God saw them. Josiah was sold “down river” after his Master died unexpectedly. His master was going to give him his freedom but was stabbed before that happened. The worst thing that could happen to a slave was for their owner to die because they were property or to be sold down river because deeper south meant worse treatment. Josiah was subject to both. 

Josiah got to the new plantation and used every opportunity to tell them bout Jesus through his words and actions. He would take cotton he picked from his bag and put it in some of the women and the weaker slaves’ bags so they wouldn’t be beaten when it was time to weigh. He took their beatings because he could endure it he would say. Even after a particularly savage beating he couldn’t move for over a week. When he did get back out into the fields he was singing and praising God after having a vision. This sight caused the wicked owner to beat him about the head and shoulders for singing.. this master said he was Toms god. See.. when you LIVE in His presence CONTINUALLY there is nothing man can do to you that can bring you down into the flesh. Even when they kill the flesh, the SPIRIT of the man will live on! 

Josiah was eventually killed when two women escaped. Josiah was blamed because he would give them cotton and tell them about Jesus. While he lay dying he lead the two slave overseers who did the deed to Jesus. He forgave them for beating him to death. Josiah’s body was collected by the original owners now adult son when he came to buy him back. He buried him on his property, freed his slaves and dedicated the cabin Josiah and his family once occupied as “Uncle Toms Cabin”  

For the Believer it is FAR better to be absent from the Body because we will then be in the presence of the Lord. So endure hardship.. give Him all the glory and know that this present suffering is nothing in comparison to what is ahead. Josiah suffered well. He lived well. He ran his race and is now walking the streets of heaven. 

Just To think Josiah’s name is considered a slur just sickens me.. what a wonderful man of God. What a wonderful example of the love of God. 

The picture above is Mr Josiah Henson and his family at his cabin.