June 4 Slaves Submit

Ephesians 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
 
SOME people have used this to affirm slavery. There are also laws in Leviticus that instruct the Jews on how to treat slaves. Does this mean God approve of slavery?
    No, he does not. He is a God of freedom. He set his people free from Egypt. He brought to the world freedom in Jesus Christ. Why, then, this instruction and laws regarding slavery?
    This is another way God cares for his own. He knows of mankind’s sin. He knows that slavery will exist in some form until the New Heaven comes to earth. Slaves were an integral part of the culture and in the church. As Paul has instructed the church as a whole, spoken specifically to husbands and wives, he now speaks to slaves who are members of the church. He teaches them proper living in their circumstances.
    Again, the key word is “submit”. We might wonder why a slave should submit to his master. But what would happen if he didn’t? He could be killed. He could be ostracized from society and starve to death. A disobedient, non-submissive slave was easily disposed.
    Paul, then, writes to protect their lives. He encourages them to honor their masters. Just as children who honor their parents will live in peace within the family, a slave who honors his master will find physical and even emotional peace. He will submit to his situation and live to honor all.
    A perfect example of this teaching is Joseph of the Old Testament. His life turned from the favorite of his father Jacob’s household to a dungeon in Egypt. But in all circumstances Joseph honored God. He even was in the dungeon because he honored God! But his honoring attitude to the prison master earned him God’s favor. Joseph’s submission led to Joseph’s mission to save Egypt and to save his family from starvation. Consider that Joseph’s submission ultimately led to your salvation!
    Jesus fulfilled this as he said in
Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He was using “serve” in a way that referred to a slave-like attitude.
    Regardless of your circumstances, have a heart to serve all. Submit to the Lord as you truly believe “the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”
 
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to submit to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.