Good morning Jesus, I come before you and your spirit desiring to be healed, restored, and refreshed as I begin a new week that is a gift to me..
“From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of Godʼs chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.” (Titus 1:1)
Jesus, the background for the concept of being the Lord's slave or servant is found in the Old Testament scriptures. For a Jew the concept of being a “slave to God” did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege. It was used of national Israel at times, “You are my witnesses,” says the Lord, “my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe in me and understand that I am he” (Isa 43:10). But being "servants (or slaves) of the Lord" was title of honor that was especially associated with famous OT personalities, including such great men as Moses, who Joshua honored by saying of him, “I was forty years old when Moses, the Lordʼs servant sent me from Kadesh..” (Josh 14:7), God declares this title of David, the man with a hear after Him, “The Lord said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have made a promise on oath to David, my servant (Ps 89:3I; as well as in 2 Sam 7:5, 8). And God spoke the same title over Elijah, “The Lord had done what he announced through his servant Elijah” (2 Kgs 10:10). All these great men were honored to claim the title of "servants (or slaves) of the Lord."
Lord Jesus, today in this world and the kingdom of man the word “slavery” has a negative connotation, and for many good reasons. However in Your Kingdom, being called your slave or servant is a title of honor and privilege. You Yourself set the example of the honor of being a slave to the Father. “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).
By Your Spirit Lord, humble me to surrender all that I am and all my rights to you as my Lord and master. My wife and my children do not need a man who leads by control or dominance, but out of sacrifice and love. Those I encounter today do not need to encounter a person who looks down on them, but stoops down before them and washes their feet. I don’t want the people who’s path I cross, to encounter a prideful self made man, but a man formed by surrender to your cross of love. And being a man who’s heart lives for the applause of men, all this is only possible in and through your starting my day in the washing presence of Your Spirit in me.
My family, I pray today you reflect on something you probably would not imagine as you start your day, of becoming a slave, a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and savior. As only in total surrender to Him, will you achieve complete freedom in your life, In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends
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