MONDAY April 27, 2020
Bondservant
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle….
Romans 1:1
In the beginning of Romans 1, it is important to understand Paul’s credentials. Paul described himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. This word goes back to a description seen in the book of Exodus.
A slave who had served his master faithfully for seven years was allowed to go free (Exodus 21:2-11). However, if the slave loved his master, he could remain with his master to continue to love and serve him voluntarily. If this was his decision, his master would take him to a doorpost, pierce his ear, and place in an earring. The slave was now a bondservant who freely served his master out of love. Paul served Christ as a bondservant, freely and out of love for his master, Jesus Christ.
Paul was called by God to be an apostle, meaning, “sent out.” He had an incredible testimony. Paul was on his way to Damascus after receiving letters from the High Priest giving him authority to place Christians in jail. He zealously persecuted them. The Lord humbled Paul, and stopped his rebellion. Paul was called and set apart to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, even though his heart was to preach the gospel to the Jews. This was God’s perfect will for Paul’s life. Christ’s call and mission consumed him, and, as an apostle, he was willing to give his life for Christ (Acts 9).
Christians are to be bondservants, serving the Lord freely. Each of us has been called––set apart to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord can commission you as a missionary to any place in the four corners of the earth. Has the Lord given you a heart for missions? Are you willing to be sent out to the place He desires to send you?
The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude.
~Oswald Sanders~
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