FROM SLAVE TO HEIR

Bible Passage: Titus 3: 3-7

Most of us living in the suburbs or “nicer” areas of Columbus know little of the slavery that brought about the Civil War in our country. We’ve only read stories of those times. And today, though our awareness is being raised to the fact that modern-day slavery is still alive and well in many parts of the world, we don’t have first-hand understanding.

To be a slave means one is property of another and is forced to obey them. A slave is completely subservient to a dominating influence. Paul, in his letter to Titus, likens our lives to that of slaves when we lived apart from God:

            “For we ourselves have known what it is to be ignorant, disobedient, and

            deceived, the slaves of various desires and pleasant feelings, while our lives

            were spent in malice and jealousy – we were hateful and we hated each

            other.”                         (Titus 3: 3, J.B. Phillips New Testament Translation)

We were owned, as it were, by Satan and under his power, subservient to his influence. We were without hope of ever getting out from under his domination – no matter what we would do, we were powerless to either escape or gain our freedom. In this slavery, we do have first-hand knowledge!

God, came as a buyer at the slave market and saw us on the sale block, available to be sold to yet another sin taskmaster. He purchased us, and then, because of His kindness and love, did a strange thing – He gave us our freedom! But it wasn’t because of any moral achievements on our part (Remember, as slaves, we were hopeless and helpless to secure our escape from moral depravity). He bought our freedom through Christ, declaring us no longer slaves but His children, and therefore, heirs of all Heaven has to offer – so much more than we can think or imagine: His grace, His mercy, eternal life. (see Romans 8:15-17)

Thank you, Father, that we no longer need to be slaves of sin, but because of your mercy and grace, we can be called your children and gain the inheritance you have for your heirs. Amen.

We are Blessed

Nobody likes change.

 

My wife is an administrative assistant in the mortgage department of a bank. Her bank was bought by another. Her job functions changed to be more aligned with the purchaser’s procedures. And if that wasn’t enough, the government enacted banking rules that describe how she has to do parts of her job.  She has change in two dimensions!

 

Nonetheless, although stressed, she is also blessed. She survived the post merger lay-off. She also has received much recognition from her management for her willingness to change and help others.

 

Today’s reading is Numbers 6:22-27.

 

The Jews had been servants of Pharaoh in Egypt, but now they are wanderers in the dessert. They had been slaves, but now are nomads. As slaves, they knew what was expected of them each day As nomads, they were following God’s lead, but not sure where they were going and not sure how they would provide for themselves. This change was a trying time for them.

 

In the midst of this, the Jews were blessed.

 

We all undergo change in our life. Maybe we get married, or perhaps our job gets redefined to make our company more profitable. Maybe we lose our health or perhaps lose a spouse. Maybe we have to relocate to a different city.

 

There are a many things that can change which can cause much stress.

 

And yet, we are blessed during these times of anxiety and uncertainty!

 

God blesses us in many ways. We often think of physical blessings, such as food, shelter and clothing. God provides these things, and they are, of course, important.

 

Sometimes we forget, however, the spiritual blessings that God also bestows on us. He sent his only son to die on the cross so that we may have eternal life. That is the biggest blessing there is!

 

We have heard this many times, but it bears repeating:

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

 

We are blessed!

Life of Christ - Titus 2:9-15

At first, read my thoughts were mixed.  Verses nine and ten refers to slaves, as they were common in Paul's day.  So naturally I thought there is no message here for us to apply, but after praying about it God opened my eyes to the fact we are all slaves in our own time.  Slaves to many things of this world.

I find I often am bound to a certain lifestyle and if I feel it is threatened I lose hope.  What are some things you are a slave to; your job, your calendar, your flesh?  These words in Titus are mean to encourage all of us.  The slaves of Titus' day were instructed that the message of Jesus was for them as well as for their masters; salvation is for all.

We are also told the Good News is for us now.  Grace is a teacher as the scripture below implies.  When we accept Jesus and receive His grace we are empowered to change, to life more self-controlled.  Life will still be a struggle and there will be numerous temptations placed in our path.  But we have a blessed hope, to cling to, a reason to turn from godless living and practice living devoted to God.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ," (Titus 2:11-13)
Read the Titus 2:9-15 text here.  Listen to the text here.