A Hebrew [bond]servant ... shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free.... But if the servant plainly says, "I love my master ... I will not go out free," then his master shall bring him to the judges ... and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever. (Exodus 21:2,5-6 NKJV)
Let the same disposition be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Although from the beginning He had the nature of God He did not reckon His equality with God a treasure to be tightly grasped. Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. (Philippians 2:5-7 WNT)
"Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28 NKJV)
A Hebrew slave had the option after six years to go free or remain bondservant—a slave for life—to a beloved master. At least five prominent men (Paul, James, Simon Peter, Jude, and Epaphras) each willingly called himself a bondservant of Christ. Jesus Himself revealed the person of God in the position of bondservant.
A bondservant—a slave—does not retain title to his life, does not live for himself, does not choose what to do. He (or she) fully belongs to another.
The Bible not only portrays the position of bondservant as advantageous when one has a good Master, but Jesus defines it as the path to greatness. Those who hesitate to make Jesus Lord and Master over themselves do so to their detriment.
Lord Jesus, my beloved Master, I will not go out free. Your blood marks me as Yours. I gladly belong to You. I fully trust You. I willingly allow You to direct my life however You see fit. Please let me know Your will for me in all things, and give me the strength and desire to perform it.
"Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." — Paul
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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
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