God sets His children free from bondage to serve and worship Him. We often are so self-consumed that we focus on being delivered from certain bondages simply for the sake of being free. But from God’s perspective, He sets us free to serve and worship Him. In fact, the two are synonymous. Depending on your Bible, some interpretation use the word serve; others use worship.
RELEVANCE
Looking back at how God delivered the children of Israel from slavery, note how God issued the proclamation:
“I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12).
When Moses approached Pharaoh he followed God’s instructions. He simply said, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness” (Exodus 7:16). Eight times he issued the same proclamation until Pharaoh finally submitted to God and released them saying, “Go, serve the LORD your God.”
Things haven’t changed. God has released you from bondage to worship and serve Him. Even as the devil tempted Jesus, the word that finally sent the devil away was, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:10-11).
Paul affirmed God’s purpose at heart:
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13-14).
REFLECT AND RELATE
In what ways do you serve God/your fellow man?
What gifts has God given you that you can use to serve Him/others?
REFERENCES
Psalm 2:11; 100:1-5; Matthew 4:10