April 23, 2025
Daily Devotion:
"The Servant of Christ"
2 Peter 1:1
New Living Translation
1 This letter is from Simon[a] Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness[b] of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.
Slavery is revolting to many. No one relishes the idea of being owned by anyone or anything. We want to be independentpersons. In the western hemisphere, these ideals are highly esteemed, but are we really as free as we presume? Fundamentally, the essence of the Christian life can be described in terms of slavery to Christ. The Scripture informs us that we are either 'slaves of sin' or 'slaves of righteousness': “...But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6:16). We are all slaves to something!
The word translated “slave” or “servant” in the New Testament, is the Greek word doulos which refers to aperson born into slavery and bound to his or her master. Interestingly, the word doulos is a favorite self-designation for the apostles and other writers of Scripture. Peter claims this title for himself (II Peter 1:1). The same is true for James (James 1:1), Jude (Jude 1:1), and John (Rev 1:1). Paulrepeatedly emphasizes that he is Christ's doulos throughout his letters. In fact, Scripture applies that designation to Christ Himself (Phil 2:7). In His incarnation, Christ took on the form of a slave.
So, what does it mean to be a slave in the biblical sense?
Unrivaled Love. In the realm of the affections of His disciples, Jesus will allow no rivals. The servant who is fully surrendered is the one whose love for Him is greater (Luke 14: 25-33). When a clash of loyalties arises on this point, the disciple's unrivaled love for Christ will cause him or her to choose Jesus.
Unceasing Cross-bearing. To the Jews, the crucifixion was an all too familiar sight. When Jesus spoke of bearing the cross, they would have pictured condemned criminals walking to their deaths. This love involves sacrifice, suffering, exclusion from society, and death. If the Christian is unwilling to fulfill this condition, our Lord states categorically; “ye cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
Unreserved Surrender. Of the three conditions, this one is perhaps the most difficult to accept in this materialistic and covetous age. Our Lord is claiming the right to dispose ofour possessions. He wants us to recognize that whatever we have is His and He has given them to us not as owners, but only as stewards. He wants it all.
