11/29/2021
As Christians we are meant to be the servants of Jesus Christ, and moreover, the stewards of the mysteries of God, but what does this mean? Well, a servant is not a slave, but is someone who performs duties for another, while a slave is the property of his master. Given this definition, we are to perform tasks for Jesus as His willing servant. A steward, on the other hand, is not simply a waiter who takes orders and brings food to the table, but is one who maintains the stores, provides meals for others, and takes care of them… quite often while they are traveling. As we look at our lives of faith do we see the ways in which we are serving others as Jesus would have us do, and are we functioning as stewards of God to those who are traveling the way of faith towards Him?
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV
In ancient times countries, and city states, would invade others, and once having conquered them they would make unwilling slaves of their inhabitants. Jesus doesn’t want to conquer and enslave us in this manner, nor does He want to force us into servitude; it is His desire that we would willingly come to Him, and eagerly, want to serve Him.
“Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness;”
1 Peter 5:1-2 NASB2020
God likewise doesn’t twist our arms, or enslave us; He doesn’t want to force us to act like we love Him, but wants us to truly love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. This kind of love comes only from willing participants. In this way we are meant to willingly serve Jesus, and God because we love them, and if we choose to become slaves to them, in our faith, that is a higher calling yet, but this too must be by choice.
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
In consideration of this, let’s ask ourselves… are we pursuing our faith to gain something tangible like eternity, good health, and position, or, are we doing so because we have fallen in love with the amazing person and nature of God, and Jesus Christ? Again, is it for the promise of gain, or as a result of the awe, and love we have? Are we trusted servants, stewards, and willing slaves… or reluctant followers, and slaves in bondage? Is our God the person of God, or have we made gods of those things He possesses, and we desire to gain?
“But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
Matthew 20:25-28 ESV
So, as servants of Christ we obey His commandments, and take His gospel to all nations. As stewards of God, we insure that everyone who is traveling on their way towards righteousness, by obeying and believing in Him, is provided for. We insure that His Word is distributed, and His mysteries are made freely, and abundantly, available to all those who seek Him faithfully. And, as willing slaves, we give ourselves up entirely to the calling, and will that God desires of us. Is this who we are today? Do we consider ourselves a servant, a steward, and perhaps ultimately a slave?
“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:11-12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for allowing us to humble ourselves before you, and to become your servants, the stewards of your mysteries, and your honored slaves. Thank you Lord for loving us, and allowing us to love you in return. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who we would love and offer ourselves to even without reward; simply by loving who you are, and through the awe we have in you. We praise you for the gifts you bless us with, but we love you even when you offer us nothing more than your presence. Help us to guard our faith, and love nothing more than we love you, not even those things you give us. You are merciful Father, and your grace is sufficient for us. Hear our prayers of contrition and forgive us Lord. Wash us clean with the blood of your Son Jesus, and find us worthy of your presence through our belief in Him. Seat us at your heavenly table Father, where we can worship, serve, and be the stewards, and slaves, within your household forevermore.
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:16-21 ESV
Rich Forbes