A Master Worth Serving
Opening Prayer
Thank God that his Word is fresh every day. Thank him for his Holy Spirit who teaches and leads you.
Read Psalm 123:1-4
[1] A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. [2] As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. [3] Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. [4] We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the attitude of the one praying this psalm?In this psalm, the Israelites use the analogy of a servant looking to his master to describe their relationship to God. This was to illustrate their humility and his ownership of them.
We tend to think negatively of being a servant or slave, but it had its advantages. A good master would provide for and protect his servants. The Israelites are stating their dependence on God. The mercy they are looking for here is provision that will release them from the mockery of the surrounding peoples. Others would ridicule them for trusting God when they had nothing, but they knew their God was faithful and would provide.
Sometimes things seem to go better for those who reject God. They scorn us for trusting God, when we don’t seem to get anything out of it. They laugh at us for serving a Master who doesn’t appear to pay too well. They don’t understand that he is our Master because he paid a price for us, purchasing us with the blood of his own Son. Nor do they understand that we serve him because he is good, protective and provides for his own.
Apply
How would you describe your relationship with God? Are you comfortable with being his “slave” or “servant”?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I know I was bought with the great price You paid. I will gladly be Your servant.
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