Blacks as slaves are not the first people the Lord brought out of hard bondage to serve His purposes in the joy of freedom only to rebel against Him and suffer His judg- ment (Lamentations 5:15-16). But even now, there is hope in His mercy through the repentance of the willing (Daniel 9:3-15).1
Therefore, say to them, "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Return to Me,' says the Lord of hosts, 'and I will return to you,'" says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3, NKJV).