A Bondservant is not a slave like we think of slavery today.
In the first century bondservants were usually well-educated. Often they sold themselves into slavery to work off debt. They were almost universally treated well, often served as family tutors or household business managers, becoming almost part of the family they belonged to. Legally and often practically, bondservants were allowed to have their own possessions and even their own small businesses. After 6 years of work their debt was paid and they were set free in the seventh year.
Sometimes, however, the bondservant was happy with their arrangement. Deuteronomy 15 explains what happens in those cases.
16 But if he [the bond-servant] says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is well-off with you, 17 then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever.
Piercing your ear with an Awl leaves a noticeable hole because part of the ear is pushed in to the doorpost. The bond-servant literally becomes part of the house by embedding their flesh in the doorway.
That is a pretty drastic concept.
Two weeks in a row, while in prayer with friends, I heard clearly from the Holy Spirit that we are bondservants. I have been reminded of a commitment I made as a young follower of Jesus. The writer of Galatians put it this way: “ I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (2:20)
True disciples of Jesus emotionally and spiritually give everything they own and all they are, to the service of the King of Kings. Few are asked by God to sell everything, however, being willing to if asked is important. A bondservant will go anywhere, do anything for the sake of the Kingdom. We do not usually pierce our ears with an awl to mark our commitment and allegiance to Jesus and His Kingdom.
My personal prayer is that my allegiance to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with all I am and have will be evident by my demeanor and actions. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” I do not say any of this to promote myself. I am still very much a work in progress. I live this life “by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” By the grace of God I will not go out from the “house” of the Lord because I love Him and am well-off in the Lord’s service.
This week began a new year on the Jewish calendar. This is a time to reflect on our commitments and allegiances. This new season promises to be both challenging and full of blessings for those in the household of God. How about you? Will you be a bondservant in the house of the Lord?
