Jan. 15, 2014
Exodus 21-Part 1
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 1 Corinthians 7:22
LET IT GLOW
When my granddaughter helps me with baking in the kitchen, she has me tie an apron around her. She often chooses the pretty purple apron which my great aunt gave me as a child. This lovely lady spent time doing a special handwork on it. It is a special heirloom. I need to tell her about it the next time we make cookies. To me, an apron was a sign of servant hood.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament summarizes chapters 21-23 of Exodus:
Having given Israel the Law of God in the Ten Commandments, Moses then explained and applied that Law to various aspects of human life. Wherever there is law, there must be interpretation and application: otherwise the law is impractical and not at all helpful. In the beginning, it was the priests who taught and applied the Law in Israel; but in later years, it was the scribes and rabbis who became the professional teachers of the Law. Unfortunately, their interpretations became as authoritative as the original Law, and it was this error that Jesus exposed through His teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount (Mattt. 5-7).Wiersbe gives seven main points that Moses gives us:
- Caring for Servants (21:1-11)
- Compensating Personal Injuries
- Protecting Personal Property
- Respecting Humanity
- Dispensing Justice
- Celebrating Holy Times
- Conquering the Promised Land
Can you imagine the job of recording all this which God gave to Moses? What a responsibility!
Will we take them seriously, using them as an aide in our Christian walk?
LET IT GROW
The first precept is: Caring for Servants (21:1-11).
What can we learn from this Wiersbe:
- Although the Jews were allowed to buy and sell servants, they were not allowed to treat them as slaves.
- There were times that people sold themselves or family members into service because of their poverty (Lev. 25:39; Deut. 15:12).
- Their service was limited to only six years, and then they were freed.
- If the servant wanted to stay with their master, the servant's ear was marked and they stayed the rest of the servant's life. (Deut. 15:17, Ps. 40:6)
- Special protection was given to female servants to prevent masters from abusing them and depriving them of their rights.
What does the New Testament have to say about us as the servant of Jesus?
- He is not above his lord. (Matt. 9:24) Nor is the disciple above his master.
- He is working until his master returns. (Matt. 24:46)
- The good and faithful servant who is faithful in a few things will be rewarded being made a ruler over many things. (Matt. 25:21)
- A watching servant will be served. (Luke 12:37)
- Paul called us either servants to sin, which leads to death, or we are servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:16)
- We are Christ's servant. (1 Cor. 7:22)
- Servants are to obey their masters as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Eph. 6:5-7)
- Jesus said in John 13:14, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
- We will be told, as in Revelation 19:5 tells us, Praise our God, all ye His servants, and ye that fear Him, both small and great.
Do we come before our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, each morning and ask Him what His agenda for our day is? Is our heart willing to obey His command before we find out what it is?
LET IT GO
Let go of yesterday and live in today.
Serve Jesus; serve others.
Have a servant's attitude today, putting on my apron.
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