Words of Hope Daily Devotional
Surrender, Slavery, and Serving
Read: Luke 1:26-38
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (v. 38)
Ask a student what her goal in life is. I very much doubt you will hear her say, “My goal in life is to become a servant.” Most people don’t think very highly of the profession. But if you bear the name “Christian,” you also bear the title “servant.”
Jesus himself was referred to as a servant (see Acts 3:13). Mary declared herself a “servant of the Lord.” Paul, James, Peter, and Jude all introduced themselves as “a servant of God.” We too are servants. Through surrendering to Christ, we inherit all the characteristics of a servant of Christ: living for him, submitting to him, and obeying him.
The Bible also uses the word slave to describe who we are in Christ. That really is a title no one desires. It has nothing but negative associations, but to be a slave of Christ is completely different.
First Corinthians 7:22 says, “he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.” The reason this is different from any other slavery is that we choose to be Christ’s slave through our desire to surrender to him. Out of our love and gratitude we serve him willingly, joyfully, and freely. That is not slavery to dread. It is a privilege we ought to rejoice in.
As you pray, ask God to help you gladly bear the name “servant of God.”
About the Author
Jessica Heikoop was a writer and editor from Ontario, Canada. Beloved by her family and community, she died in 2013 at the age of 31.
Surrender Your Fears
Read: Luke 12:22-34 Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (v. 25) Many of us would have to confess that we aren’t anxious about anything except our worries. As Oscar Wilde quipped,
How to Surrender
Read: Philippians 4:4-9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (v. 9) It’s all well and good to sing “I surrender all.”
I Surrender All
Read: Romans 12:1-2 Present your bodies as a living sacrifice. (v. 1) The congregation was enthusiastically singing I Surrender All. Then our pastor observed that if we were being honest, most of us would have to change the words a bit
Why Surrender to Christ?
Read: Luke 14:25-33 Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (v. 33) “He’s a Christian, but not too Christian.” It’s said as a compliment, but is it really complimentary? It isn’t possible
What Is Surrender?
Read: Luke 9:23-26 Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (v. 23) How do you react when you hear the word surrender? Surrender comes with some negative associations. Picture white flags being run up and
Faith’s Foundation
Read: Luke 24:1-9 Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. (vv. 5-6) Have you ever doubted the gospel stories of miracles? Start with just one. On this morning, when the women came