FASTING REASONS FOR FASTING (2019) DAY SEVENTEEN

IN CHRIST I AM HIS SERVANT

“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:6

From Solomon’s Porch to the Court of the Priests, those who entered the temple grounds were considered “recipients” of God’s mercy and grace. In the temple proper (the Holy Place and Holy of Holies), the priests were considered “servants” of God’s mercy and grace. When we, as followers of Christ, understand our position in Christ, in the Holy of Holies, we know we are not attendees or members in God’s kingdom, we are servants of the MostHigh God.

The New Testament describes three types of servants:

• a hired servant,
• a household servant,
• and a head servant.

1. The hired servant is described in Luke 15 when the prodigal son returned home and told his dad to make him a hired servant. A hired servant was hired off the street by the household servant for a day’s wage with no guarantee of an opportunity to work again. A hired servant worked around the master’s estate but never met the master.
2. The household servant was hired by the head servant to work indefinitely within the household for the master’s family. He knew of the master but he was never personally introduced. (Luke 12:35-47)
3. The head servant was the chief servant, chosen by the master to work directly for the master. The head servant or bondservant served his master. The head servant handled the personal business of his master as it related to the household, the estate, and to the master’s relationship in the city and country. The master and his head servant were personal companions.

The bondservant enjoyed a freedom that permitted him to leave but he chose to remain with his master. The apostle Paul referred to himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1) As followers of Jesus, although free, we choose to remain with our master in the Holy of Holies, because we are head servants. We have become personal companions of the Lord Jesus Christ. The main goal of a head servant is to exalt his master and edify the household. (Ephesians 4:16) Being a head servant, you must understand several truths that apply to this position and privilege to be in Christ.

First, a head servant or follower of Christ knows he never goes to work, he is always at work. He remains with his master in the home. Serving the Lord is twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There is never a moment in time when you are not a servant of Christ. Your willingness to serve is proof you are dwelling in the Holy of Holies.

Second, work was done at church (in the church building) is not the only work done for the Lord. As a matter of fact, more work is required in the field than in the building.

Third, a head servant or follower of Christ’s workplace is his mission field. (1 Corinthians 3:9) A follower of Christ understands his master placed him in his position at his work not only to make a living but to make Him known.

The head servant strives to represent his master well in the workplace. Fourth, a follower of Christ whose work is built on Jesus will last. He will receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:10-14) The only believer who will hear “Well done” and receive a reward is the head servant who followed Christ by exalting his master and edifying his household. Hired and household servants will only receive earthly gratification and the praise of men because they never desired to experience God personally in the Holy of Holies. The most frightening words a hired or household servant could possibly hear is “I do not know you, where you are from, depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity!” (Luke 13:27)

As one who professes faith in Christ, are you content and comfortable with being an attendee or member of the local church? If so, have you been convicted by God’s Spirit to surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Maybe once again after reading this devotion, God’s Spirit is convicting you to commit your life to Him by entering into the Holy of Holies with Christ. Would you surrender to Him right now and allow Jesus to save you? If you consider yourself to be more than an attendee or member, then what kind of servant are you: a hired, household, or head servant? If you feel like a hired or household servant, what has happened in your life to make you feel this way? If you have settled for being a hired or household servant, then you are living way beneath your privilege and purpose as a child of God. You have chosen not to experience Christ in His dwelling place. You will never please the Father until you see yourself, in mind and spirit, seated with Him in the Holy of Holies. Jesus redeemed you to experience Him personally and intimately and this can only happen in one place and one place only — the Holy of Holies.

Do you hear that sound? It is the voice of your master calling you this morning to come and join Him in service. Will you serve Him today? He has personally selected some people who desperately need Him for you to minister to today. If you obey, your service will exalt your master and strengthen the household of faith. Go serve Him now in His fullness!