The word slave sends shivers down my spine. Because I can’t get those visions of the worse atrocity known to man out of my head. But the phrases in Romans 1, which says “a servant of Christ.” is easier to handle. In The Message Bible and most, contemporary versions of the Bible says, “I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment. . . .” That makes me shudder.
Paul calls himself a slave. He was sold out to his master, willing to die for him. Not because of torcher but because his master first gave his life for him. And because of love, he was a devoted slave on assignment to let the world know about what his master had done. Paul wasn’t just a member of some new church movement. He wasn’t just a theologian trying to make sense of new ideas he had come across. He wasn’t just a preacher looking for an audience. Paul was a devoted slave of Someone who was not just anyone but the Lord of Heaven and Earth who gave up all so that a sinner like Paul could have life abundant life.
Today, as we think about Paul who the bible says is a Roman citizen – addressing himself as a slave demands attention. Paul is unbashful about his connection to Jesus as a slave for his kingdom. His identification as a slave highlights his appreciation and relationship with Christ. That makes me ask, “How do I identify with Jesus?” because that’s what the Christian faith is all about, first and foremost who are you to Jesus and why do you identify in that way?
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus . . . Romans 1:1
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, the attractions, and distractions of my life can lure me from being devoted to you. Father, help me to grow, becoming totally sold out to You. Lord teach me how to be a slave for your kingdom seeing your presence and work everywhere, so I can stay connected with who you are. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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