Christmas 4. 28 December 2013

image by fabrizio turco

by Jason Lowe

Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son who came from the seed of David according to the flesh, who was appointed the Son of God onto power, according to the Spirit of holiness, because of the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom we received grace and apostleship onto obedience of faith among all the nations, for His name's sake, among whom are you also called-out ones of Jesus Christ; to all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called-out saints:   Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:1-7

When you first meet someone, what sorts of things do you tell them about you? I hope you're honest, even if it's ugly. To help you, I'll let you in on my own weakness. I scrub toilets as a day-time job, so when I meet someone at work I notice that I tend to quickly tell them that I'm in college (hence, "I'm not settling for a toilet-scrubbing career; it's just a means to an end"). I'm quick to inform them that I plan on getting a weighty degree (hence, "this kid's got a future so don't look down at me"). That's my ugliness, but what about you? What's important to you for others to know about you? Is it that you're educated or clever? What size your house is? Your vocation? Ministry? Bank account? Is it tied to your family, or even their achievements? Is it your philosophy (a.k.a. your religion)? The answers to these questions can reveal what you hope in as your core identity, role, and purpose in life.

In several of Paul's letters he introduces himself first and primarily as "a servant of Jesus Christ." I'm assured by the experts that the word behind "servant" was certainly understood in the first century as "slave", and should be translated as the LITV does (above). A slave was the opposite of a free person, and more along the lines of property that was sold or traded. So no one still hanging onto personal dignity would introduce themselves like, "Hi, I'm Jason---that guy's slave," but that was how the disciples saw themselves. Even the term "lord" has lost its luster in our culture, so maybe to recapture how the first disciples saw it, we should replace it with "master." When was the last time you considered yourself as a purchased slave of your Master, Jesus Christ?

As a slave, Paul was set apart from common use for his Master's use (vs. 1); he was to deny his own will and serve the will of his Master (vs. 5). Since our Master is the glory of kindness, he gives us prominent roles in his kingdom. Paul was appointed as an apostle to the Gentiles where he was to wear out his life, even to death, in bringing the news of his Master's reign to the pagan nations. His very name was a daily reminder of his identity and calling, for when someone in the ancient world had new dominion over another, they changed their name to that of their own culture (as Joseph, Daniel and Abram experienced). Jesus changed Saul to Paul, a Gentile-Roman name, so every time Paul met someone he was reminded that he belonged to Another; that he was an apostle to the Gentiles.

A slave of Christ was Paul's identity. An apostle of the gospel was his role, and to fulfill this role and to please his Master was his sole purpose in life and death.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

What have you done, are doing, or plan on doing that you tend to hide under for "importance"? What is the supreme motivation underlying all that you do? In other words, whose slave are you? Compare yourself with Paul's example in these verses.

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

You are the Master and King of all the universe. Every atom and galaxy moves in accordance with the whim of your will. I'm so sorry for having the arrogance and stupidity to stand up and tell you no. Thank you worlds for your patience. Give your people willing hearts. Give us hearts bowed down to your will in reverence and love; in delight and obedience. Help us to use the few breaths you have given us to serve you, for you are the only God, the blazing King worthy of unquestioned obedience.