STRONG MEAT
The writer of Hebrews said: “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”? *
Would he say that to us today?
Granted, I drew “strong meat” from the KJV because others speak of “solid food,” which is more accurate but less graphic for this blog. 🙂 So, here’s some meat (or solid food, if you prefer) for us to chew on this weekend.
WE ARE SLAVES
The Greek word for servant, as in “Well done, good and faithful servant” in Mt. 25:21, signifies “slave.” Doulos, meaning “someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave without any ownership rights of their own,” appears 126 times in the NT. See https://biblehub.com/greek/1401.htm
Most Bible versions accommodate our fleshly sensitivities by translating it “servant,” but slave, as in the NASB, is more accurate. Even thinking of ourselves as a “servant” is too strong for us, but “slave” is worse! Slaves are bought and owned and their life is controlled by their owner. Jesus bought us with His blood. (I Cor. 6:19-20, Rev. 5:9, Titus 2:14)
Personal ambitions are secondary for good slaves as they focus on the interests of a master. It’s a mindset that goes against every instinct of sinful humanity, and not only because of today’s culture.
THE HARD QUESTION
How different would we be if we embraced our doulos status and surrendered all that we are, and all that we have – – and all that we dream of being or having – – to Jesus? And to fulfilling the mandate He gave us? What if we kept nothing for ourself? Our self? How would that change what is important to us and what we do every day?
Are we ready to get serious with Jesus or would He say to us; “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”? (John 16:12 niv) Read on there, into John 16:13-15, and remember that the Spirit has come!
There are wonderful upsides to this, and we’ll get to them soon. Meanwhile, keep chewing!
*Heb. 5:12, niv
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
April 23, 2021
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