Lord's Day Devotion - Jesus, Master

 Besides brides, slaves are bought at a price.  They then are not free to do their own thing but only the new master's will.  Have a look at this...

"Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him...Keeping God's commands is what counts...For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave.  You were bought at a price, do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:17, 19, 22-23).

Praise the Lord, in Christ we are free to do Jesus, our Master's will, as He has so assigned for us each to do.  We also don't have to jump on another train, so to speak, when we accept Christ.  We can stay in which ever situation we had been in at the time of conversion.  This is because we have been bought at a price, 'where is' and 'as is'.

Being Christ's slave is freeing.  We do not have to suddenly change our life's circumstances although some may wish to, especially if they are in something like a mafia gang.  We do change our spiritual alliances.  We now keep God's commands - doing His will.

Our behaviour changes but not our circumstances, per se.  For instance, as in the previous verses (12-14 of this chapter 67) Paul instructs a believing spouse to stay with the unbelieving one.  One never knows if the unbelieving spouse will come to Christ too.  If the unbeliever decides to leave, then the believer would be free from their wedding vows to that particular spouse (see 1 Corinthians 7:15-16).

Paul did say that if a new believer had been a slave, then he or she shouldn't let it bother them; however, if they could gain their freedom, then go for it.  Most of us will recall Paul's plea to Philemon regarding Onesimus (see Philemon 1:10-21).  He was basically asking Philemon to free his slave Onesimus in order for Onesimeus to help further the gospel.

Nevertheless, all believers should keep in mind that we each have been bought with a price, not to become slaves of  men, but of Christ's.  Such 'slaves' should "retain their place in life" and "keep God's commands" as these are what count to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

It is through that price of Jesus' death and resurrection that we now belong to Him.  Let us live according to how He has assigned us and obey His commands.  Don't get ourselves enslaved to others.  Christ is our loving, caring and good Master.  Look to Him for your every move.

On any given Lord's Day, as we reach for and partake of the broken bread, and drink from the cup of wine, let us each remember afresh that costly price paid for which we were bought.  Remember afresh to Whom we belong.  Remember afresh, to keep His commands because we are Christ's slaves.

Lord Jesus Christ, Master, thank You for the price You paid for each and every one of us who believe through faith and have accepted Your free gift of salvation.

Thanks You for this weekly reminder of the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup of wine which reminds us to Whom we belong - You, our Master.

In Your name Lord Jesus, we remember You and give You our thanks.

                                               ~ERC November 2023~

Based on 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, especially 17, 19, 22-23 NIV.

Sing, Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim It, along with Squirrel 24.