One of the poignant hidden gems in the Old Testament is in the Levitical law. It is one of those scriptures that is often skipped over because it “does not apply to us.” Yet in it is a moving principle of love and servitude. In the Law of Moses, if an Israelite became impoverished and was sold as a slave to another Israelite, he was to serve six years and go free in the seventh year (see Exodus 21:1-2).
There was also a provision in the law, if the servant loved his master and his situation, the servant could opt out of being free. If he decided to stay forever after his six-year term, his master would legitimize the relationship before the judges and then pierce his ear with an awl against the doorpost of the house. The voluntary slave would be “earmarked” as the master’s slave forever.
Exodus 21:5-6 NKJV (5) But if the servant plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' (6) then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.
Jesus exemplified this in His own life. He could have gone free as the Son of the Father but came as a bondservant. He allowed His body to be pierced and “earmarked” for the redemption of mankind.
Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
As I thought about the earmarking of the servant, I asked the question: “Why would we (or I) choose to serve God?”
When I was a young Christian, I often felt obligated to serve. I wanted to do the right thing and live righteous, but there was a fear factor involved. My knowledge of God’s greatness and our ultimate accountability to Him skewed my worship of Him. My understanding at the time caused me often to serve out of obligation. It was like the Israelite’s six years of indentured service. I loved God but my fear was probably greater than my love. My service was partly a labor of love but also an element of obligation and fear.
As I matured in my walk with Christ and began to learn more about grace, my attitude changed. My living for God and obedience were not from being scared of God but a desire to please my Heavenly Father.
This message began in my prayer this morning as I was praising God. I told Him that my main reason for serving Him was none other than my adoration of His greatness. Why would I desire to serve a lesser being?
The man in Jesus’s parable of “The Hidden Treasure” (Matt. 13:44), was overjoyed about the valuable treasure he found in the field. His excitement motivated him to go with joy and sell EVERYTHING in order to buy the field where the treasure lay hidden.
I believe if we see Jesus as the great treasure, we will, with great joy, give up everything to become His servant. By the way, He sees and treats His servants as His own children. Spiritually leaning into the doorpost and having my ear pierced with His awl was a divine moment of joy in my life. I am happy to be earmarked with Christ—forever! I am happily His servant-child.
Yours on the Journey,
Harry L. Whitt
Pathway Journey 