JUNE 8, Luke 17:7-8

Servants in wealthy families in Biblical times were actually slaves, different from the domestic helpers employed to help in your homes today. The rich bought their slaves from the market place and did not need to pay them any salary. These slaves were either prisoners of war, or the poor and destitute. Although they became the property of their masters, they were protected by the Law of Moses. They had a right to the Sabbath rest and to attend the various festivals of the Jewish year. If the slave was a fellow Jew who had sold himself to repay a debt, the master must set him free after six years of service. He must be given animals, grain and wine. In the Year of Jubilee, he could receive his freedom and at the same time have his inheritance (remember the land his ancestor passed to him and was sold) returned to him. However, a slave could be set free at any time if a member of his family could pay his debt.

In Luke 17:7-8, Jesus described the life of a slave. A slave had to serve his master hand and foot all day long. After plowing or feeding the cattle, his master would not ask him to rest or to eat. Instead, the slave had to continue serving the master. Only after the master had eaten could the slave eat. No matter how hungry or tired he was, he had to serve the master first. He would not even receive a word of thanks from the master because he was just doing his duty. What a hard life!

Jesus was teaching us that as Christians we will always be “unprofitable servants”. The Lord does not need us to serve Him or to do things for Him, yet He has given us this privilege to do so. With this privilege comes responsibility to carry out our duties well and diligently.

Thought: Thank God for giving us the privilege to serve Him.

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for saving us, making us Your children and giving us privilege to serve You. Help us to be diligent in our service unto You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.