“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” ( Romans 1:1).
Our verse today paints a different picture of slavery. Paul was called to be “a servant of Jesus Christ.” I like how that phrase is defined at the website: www.biblestudytools.com:
“The word here rendered “servant” means “bond-servant,” or one subject to the will and wholly at the disposal of another.”
That was the apostle Paul and his relationship with Jesus. God took his stony heart and changed it into a servant’s heart. We wouldn’t have much of our New Testament if Paul hadn’t been willing to be the servant. Reading of all the adversity he faced, it is evident this “bond-servant” had the hands of God upon his life.
Paul could have risen to places of prominence, but instead chose to let God be His Master. We have observed the hand of God working on or in the lives of the biblical characters previously mentioned this week. Tomorrow we will ask a vital question: Whom do you serve? Your answer may determine who your master is today.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for missionary efforts and Christians ministering in Mindanao (southern Philippines region) in the wake of Typhoon Bopha, which has already claimed the lives of nearly 100 people.
