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For the kingdom of the heavens is just like a man about to go abroad, who called his own slaves and delivered to them his possessions.

 

This verse begins with the parable of the talents but today I just want to talk about this first verse. We had someone on the staff once who objected to the use of the word “slave.” One of our Dwelling in the Word passages had that word (depending upon which translation you were using) and she preferred to use the one that used the word “servant.”

 

Our present culture regards being a servant as better than being a slave, but this was not always the case. In the Old Testament, there were servants who could choose to stay as slaves when their time of serving (usually to pay off some debt) was complete. They had found security in their master’s home and wanted to be a permanent part of the household.

 

Even as I’m typing it, it feels uncomfortable to discuss. It is so very different from anything with which we have experience. When, however, we put it into the context of God being our Master, we can have a greater degree of comfort with the image of being His property but also being a permanent member of His household.

 

God, thank You for inviting me into Your family. Please help me to serve You well. Amen.

 

Paula Barney

adminassist@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: For those who don’t feel the security of belonging to God.