May 16, 2004

THE MASTER

"You call me 'Master' and 'Lord' and rightly so, for that is what I am" (John 13:13, NEB).

The title, "Master," is one of the most widely used of Christ's titles. In the four Gospels alone, He is addressed as "master" ten times, while He refers to Himself by the same title eight times.

There are eight Greek words translated as master--each with a different shade of meaning. But the common theme of all these words is authority and control. The master may be a teacher, a commander, an owner, an overseer, a householder, or one who is in charge. As a rebuke to the proud scribes and Pharisees, He told His disciples, "One is your Master, even Christ" (Matthew 23:10).

The Christian has no other master but Christ. Jesus is master of the cosmic universe, master over the church, and master of the destiny of men and nations. He is master of all things because God has "given all things into his hands" (John 13:3). We belong to Him because He has purchased us with His own precious blood (see Revelation 5:9). We, who have been redeemed by His death, are His love-slaves.

Under the ancient mosaic law, all slaves were offered full freedom during the jubilee year (see Ezekiel 46:17). However, if a slave truly loved and respected his master, he could refuse to go free. In such a case, the master would pierce the slave's ear with an awl and inflict a mark of willing and perpetual servitude (see Deuteronomy 15:16, 17). Such a wonderful master as Jesus deserves our perpetual servitude. Christians are to "acknowledge no earthly master. One higher than men, even He who is the way, the truth, and the life, is their Master."--Review and Herald, November 5, 1903.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because You purchased my freedom by Your blood, I will serve You forever. Amen.