June 30 SOAP Devotional

June 30, 2008
Read Exodus 21
To read this text go to: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2021&version=51


Scripture- Exodus 21:5- But the slave may declare, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I don’t want to go free.’


Observations- This section of law follows the Ten Commandments that were to govern the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. This section further illustrates how this covenantal relationship was to impact how they lived their lives. First, they were given the rules concerning how slaves were to be treated. This is significant, given the mistreatment they experienced at the hand of the Egyptians. Slaves were to be treated equitably and compensated if they were injured. They were to be freed after a given period of time. After that time had elapsed, they were even given the option of staying on if they loved their master. What a contrast to their experience in Egypt! This was intended to highlight certain aspects of Israel’s covenantal relationship with God—the Israelites will serve God because they love Him. And, having chosen Israel, God will remain faithful to them.


Application- Surrendering to God is a hard notion in our independence-minded American lives. Our country was founded by a rebellion that was based on fighting back against unjust treatment. We didn’t need the authority of England, we could do better ourselves, thank you very much! Ever since this time we have developed a very strong sense of independence and self-reliance that encourages us to “depend on no one.” We rightly fought against slavery and bristle at its presence in the Bible. Here, we find God setting out a system where slaves were to be treated equitably. God didn’t invent slavery, but addressed its presence in such a way that it would be much different in Israel than it is in the rest of the world. They were to treat their slaves with such respect, that they would choose to serve out of love. We are to do the same in our relationship with God—choose to serve out of love, not obligation or duty.


Prayer- God, there are times when I am tempted to serve You because I feel that I have to—it is my duty. Help me to remember that my service to You should be done out of love—mine for You and Yours for me. Deliver me from my rebelliousness and independence—the times when I think I can do it on my own. Remind me of my need for You and dependence upon You. Too often I feel like a toddler when it comes to serving you—wanting to “do it myself.” Remind me often of how stupid that notion truly is! Amen.



Depending on Jesus,

Pastor Matt