THE LORD'S FREEMAN

"For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" (1 Cor 7:22,23)

Some people are called of God while in a life of unusual hardship. In fact, even after they have been "joined to the Lord" their outward circumstances have remained the same. There have been people converted in prisons who remained incarcerated. Some came into Christ with severe physical handicaps, even retaining them after their new birth. Regeneration does not always bring an immediate change in our earthly circumstances.

Such was the case with many of the believers of the first century. The Word of God produced fruit among some in slavery–those who were bond slaves of other men. Whatever may or may not be said about slavery, many of God's people have remained in that status AFTER they came into Christ Jesus. They came in, and remained, slaves.

Some specific words were addressed to converts in the dilemma of slavery. "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free" (Eph 6:6-8; Col 3:22-24).

It is clear their status in Christ was more weighty than their social situation These brethren were told, "there is neither bond nor free . . . for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). They had no disadvantage in their spiritual life because of their earthly circumstances. Notwithstanding, they were told, "although if you can gain your freedom, do so" (1 Cor 7:21, NIV). Thus, they could live with an optimistic spirit.

Our text reminds us that two conditions were experienced at the same time– circumstances that seemed incongruous, and could be united on no other level. Even though they were slaves, they were "the Lord's freemen," or "freedmen." They were "free," even though their earthly circumstance did not appear to justify that conclusion. This word, however, was not a word of possibilities or things to be preferred. It was the announcement of a reality to be enjoyed, and in which one could joyously live.

The "Lord's freedman" has been released from the worse slavery, and brought into the greatest liberty. Though enslaved by men, they were released from the guilt and power of sin. They were men's vassals, yet were freed to serve the Lord in that very capacity with the prospect of great reward. Just as surely as they were some man's "servants," they were the Lord's "freedmen." They were free to come to God, receive from God, be heard by God, and be blessed by God. They were free to resist the devil, cast down imaginations, deny ungodliness, and embrace the promises. Free indeed!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for the freedom You have given to me. Grant me grace to perceive it as greater than any earthly circumstance.

-- Monday: WHEN APPETITES BECOME GOD --