A Voluntary Choice Motivated by Love
Today’s Bible Study March 16, 2012
“If your servant says, ‘I will not leave you’ because he loves you… he will be your servant for life” (Deut 15:15-16).
To Find (look for):
How much should we be giving to the poor (Deut 15:10)?
How much is a tithe (Deut 14:22)?
To Mind (key point): Levitical law called for compassion towards debtors and debt-slaves. Every seventh year, debts were cancelled and debt-slaves were set free. This law was established to create a people of compassion in the lives of Israel. Likewise, we are called to give generously with a willing attitude, and to help out a neighbor even if we know they can’t pay us back. This practice stems from a belief that God owns everything and will repay us for these actions. .
To Bind (apply to our lives): A bond-slave differed from a servant. While a servant owned some of his possessions and time, a bond-slave was dependent on his/her master for everything. If a slave desired to continue serving (living with and being cared for by his master) after his term expired, there was a provision in the law for him/her to stay with the master. Doing so meant the master accepted responsibility and the care of that person for the reminder of his/her lifetime. The bond-slave willingly and voluntarily made this decision because of his/her love for the master.
Jesus took the humble position of a bond-slave and willingly gave his rights to God (Phil 2:5-7). Likewise, we can choose to voluntarily become a bond slave to Jesus because of our love for Him. And when we do, He promises to protect us and care for us for eternity.
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