Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” James 1:1
Wow, just how much can you pack into one verse? This isn’t the first time that the subject of servitude has come up in this column, but since it’s a recurring biblical theme it only seems appropriate that we visit it once more.
What does it mean to be a servant? Well, to be a servant to someone indicates that someone else has a certain claims to your time and talents either voluntarily or by compulsion.
Then what must it mean to be a servant of God? To be a servant of God is acknowledge and honor God for who he is and humbly submit our time and talents to him forevermore. There are many Old Testament characters that could be labeled servants of God; Abraham, the nomadic farmer; Moses the herdsman; Nehemiah who worked in King’s court; David, King of Israel; Joshua the great military leader; the list could go on. But that’s enough to establish a pattern. All these men were servants of God—even in their everyday occupations and in everyday situations.
So, can we be servants of God in our everyday occupations and in everyday situations? Absolutely. Not only servants of God the Father, but also servants of the Lord Jesus Christ! Thomas Manton says of this claim: “Well, then, James is not only God’s servant by the right of creation and providence, but Christ’s servant by the right of redemption.” He goes so far as to imply that we were redeemed for the very purpose of servitude: “In Christ God hath a new claim in you, and ye are bought with his blood, that ye may be his servants.” Redeemed for the King’s service—what a thought!
In the New Testament, there is no greater example of a servant than that of the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:8-9 the Paul shares his thoughts on being a servant of Christ. Suffice it to say that Paul counted anything other than servitude to Christ as his loss. Paul’s Christian life was not easy. As a matter of fact, it was filled with difficulty and fraught with danger. Yet, Paul gladly happily persevered as a servant of Christ.
Here’s an important thought that you can put to good use this week. This week I challenge you to begin to think biblically in everyday situations by beginning to think of yourself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ—regardless of your circumstances. Face each day by inserting your name in the place of James. _________, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ken Askew
Wow, just how much can you pack into one verse? This isn’t the first time that the subject of servitude has come up in this column, but since it’s a recurring biblical theme it only seems appropriate that we visit it once more.
What does it mean to be a servant? Well, to be a servant to someone indicates that someone else has a certain claims to your time and talents either voluntarily or by compulsion.
Then what must it mean to be a servant of God? To be a servant of God is acknowledge and honor God for who he is and humbly submit our time and talents to him forevermore. There are many Old Testament characters that could be labeled servants of God; Abraham, the nomadic farmer; Moses the herdsman; Nehemiah who worked in King’s court; David, King of Israel; Joshua the great military leader; the list could go on. But that’s enough to establish a pattern. All these men were servants of God—even in their everyday occupations and in everyday situations.
So, can we be servants of God in our everyday occupations and in everyday situations? Absolutely. Not only servants of God the Father, but also servants of the Lord Jesus Christ! Thomas Manton says of this claim: “Well, then, James is not only God’s servant by the right of creation and providence, but Christ’s servant by the right of redemption.” He goes so far as to imply that we were redeemed for the very purpose of servitude: “In Christ God hath a new claim in you, and ye are bought with his blood, that ye may be his servants.” Redeemed for the King’s service—what a thought!
In the New Testament, there is no greater example of a servant than that of the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:8-9 the Paul shares his thoughts on being a servant of Christ. Suffice it to say that Paul counted anything other than servitude to Christ as his loss. Paul’s Christian life was not easy. As a matter of fact, it was filled with difficulty and fraught with danger. Yet, Paul gladly happily persevered as a servant of Christ.
Here’s an important thought that you can put to good use this week. This week I challenge you to begin to think biblically in everyday situations by beginning to think of yourself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ—regardless of your circumstances. Face each day by inserting your name in the place of James. _________, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ken Askew
posted by TBC at
2/28/2009 02:12:00 PM
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