World Unyielding

And if it happens that he says to you, “I will not go away from you,” because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you, then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever.

Deuteronomy 15:16-17a

In ancient Israel, how often did a servant feel this way toward his master? Vivid memories of kindness and mercy from his master’s hand. Years of service interwoven with mutual devotion. He could not bear the thought of separation. A wellspring of feeling could not contain the open profession, “I will not go away from you,” and his heart’s desire was made plain to all. What was to be had elsewhere? Weighed in the balance, it did not compare to the prosperity of his master’s house. Therefore, the servant loved him and would not allow his affections to wander elsewhere. His heart was fixed.

Notice, the law demands that the statement of pledged loyalty must come from the servant’s mouth. Another could not speak on his behalf, and most certainly the master could not speak for him. His words were a loving expression of his own volition and an indicator of what was truly in him. It is a strange thought to many that a person would willingly (never mind joyfully) surrender his lifelong service to another. Today, it is an idea toyed with in romantic contexts. Those in the throes of passion pledge mutually exclusive commitment, but the papers to back up such a bold intention are now scoffed at. And how quickly do people backtrack? Without a physical sign of what they once promised, how many feel at liberty to break trust?

Reader, are you refreshed by the principle found here? Or do you find it troubling? The servant was not only required to vocalise his desire. He was to submit to a ceremony that would leave him with an outward and unchangeable sign. His ear pierced as a lasting mark. Forever a sign of his servitude. A symbol of lifelong commitment. How good must a master be to evoke such loyalty so freely offered?

How sad is the case for the one who is fooled by his master’s conduct. Though he considers his master’s treatment to be good, he knows no different. He refuses counsel. He has a master who does not truly have his best interests at heart. And is there a sadder case than he who willingly sides with his oppressor? Reality is clear. We serve either one of two masters. There are only servants of sin and servants of Christ. Sin is a hard master that affords no respite. It brings fleeting moments of joy amidst persistent misery, a misery that will seize each soul under its power. Nevertheless, countless souls look upon sin with a loving fixation. The dread sway of its power compels a man to utter in his heart, “I will not go away from you,” and be destroyed by cunning. He adores sin and all the pleasures it brings. He loves the prosperity it brings in this life, while he ignores the irreversible destruction it brings in the next.

Sin is never too far. It keeps a close watch. It desires you. Like Cain, we too must rule over it. But we share in his failure. We desire sin and prove ourselves mastered by it, carnal and sold under sin. Sinners at the auction block, all sold under sin and nobody able to redeem another from its power. But a better master stepped forward. Then Christ presented the necessary payment to save sinners. Why do I love Him? Because He bought me. It cost Him something more than all the riches of the central banks. It cost Him something more than what this world can ever offer. Blood had to be shed. Yes, even His own precious blood. He has purchased me with His own blood. He suffered my wage of death. Offering up His life to rescue me from a cruel master, He has brought me into His house of eternal riches. There was nothing worthy in myself; all credit goes to Him. Let all onlookers gaze upon His love, mercy, and grace. Be astounded, and you too wonder how such love cannot be reciprocated.

Is not the bond between Christ and your soul depicted here? Your Master is in heaven, but that is no barrier between you and Him. For the Spirit of Christ has been left to you, and He guides you in godly service. Have you declared to Him, “I will not go away from you,” in solemn promise? Did He not promise you the same, yes, even before the thought entered your mind? Do you not love Him because He first loved you? Have you confirmed this love with open declaration? Have you taken the physical sign of baptism? Has He not prospered your soul and wrought everlasting life? All the while, the world scrutinises and the church marvels that sinners should find such a Master and friend. Gladly would I be His servant forever. With the psalmist, I too desire that one thing: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, both in this world and the next.