2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Ezekiel 11-12 GW; Galatians 4 GW
Doulos for God.
My introduction to the word “Doulos” happened years ago. The pastor received a car as a gift, and “Doulos” was the license plate he chose. The Greek word means “slave.” In his message, the pastor talked about the word and why he chose it. The New Testament uses Doulos 120 times. According to the NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon:
Doulos is a slave, bondman, man of servile condition. Metaphorically, one who gives himself up to another’s will whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men.
In other words, the pastor was a slave to Christ, bonded with Him in his mission, as are we when we become Christ-followers. We leave our old sins behind as we strive to become new in Christ. When we give our life for God, we become Doulos to Him.
God’s bondservant.
Submitting your life to Christ bonds us with Him. Every day, as we strive to follow and obey Jesus’s commands, we draw closer to Him. Our relationship becomes more vital as our lives transform, becoming new, one day at a time.
I’m an ex-smoker, having quit when I was 30. But occasionally, I would still smoke a cigarette. After my sister died in 2001, I started again. I would buy a pack of cigarettes, smoke one, and throw the rest away. One day, my brother caught me smoking. In dismay, I hid the smoking tobacco and immediately lied to cover up my sin. He believed me, but the weight of lying to my brother consumed me. Minutes after he pulled out of the driveway, I called and confessed my sin. I’d rather tell the truth than a lie. Integrity is built one honest statement at a time. And, that moment helped me stop smoking again. If what I’m doing causes me to lie, then I shouldn’t do it. Because of my doulos, my life changed.
Become a bondservant of Christ. Submit your life to His willingly. Let your life change in ways you never imagined.
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Lord, thank You for Jesus. Forgive us for rebelling against Him, time and time again. Help us today become bonded with Christ. Let our relationships with You become more profound as we obey Your commands. In all things, the glory is Yours. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What type of relationship do you want with Jesus?
