THE GLORIFIED STATE Devotion 11 of 25 When we read "HIS servants shall serve Him," a confirmation is given concerning the effectiveness of our Lord's great salvation. Those who serve the Lord there, will be the ones who served Him here. – Tomorrow:
Prior to the exaltation of Christ, and this "day of salvation," this phrase ("His servants") was not common – even among those who were identified as God's people. The word "servants" was frequently applied to the holy prophets, who did the Lord's bidding. Thus we read of "My servants the prophets" (2 Kgs 9:7; 17:13; Jer 7:25; 26:5; 29:19; 35:15; 44:4; Ezek 38:17; Zech 1:6), "His servants the prophets" (2 Kgs 17:23; 21:10; 24:2; Jer 25:4; Dan 9:10; Amos 3:7; Rev 10:7), and "Thy servants the prophets" (Ezra 9:11; Dan 9:6; Rev 11:18).
There was a sense in which the Israelites were God's "servants." As it is written, "they are My servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt" (Lev 25:42). And again, "For unto Me the children of Israel are servants; they are My servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 25:55). Although this is what they were intended to be, however, Israel did not prove to be good servants. It is written that they "served other gods, and worshiped them" (Deut 17:3; 29:26). They were charged with forsaking the Lord in order that they might serve other gods (Judges 10:13; 1 Sam 8:8).
During the time of the First Covenant, the real status of "servants" was one that was promised more than one that generally existed. Thus we read in the prophets, "My servants SHALL dwell there . . . My servants SHALL eat . . . My servants SHALL drink . . . My servants SHALL sing . . . My servants SHALL rejoice . . . " (Isa 65:9-14). While there surely was a sense in which the people of Israel were the servants of God, there were also many reasons why they were not. Their servitude was by Law, regimentation, and under the threat of death. Of such it is said, "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15). This was certainly not the optimum blessing, and it was not what God intended for His people. Once Jesus made an end of sin, finished the transgression, and brought in everlasting righteousness, however, the status of "servants" became a reality for all who live by faith.
While our text speaks of the future state of glory, those who are called "servants" became "His servants" while yet in this world. Their reception of Jesus (John 1:12) and reconciliation to God (Col 1:21) is what constituted them "servants." When they were freed from sin, they became the servants of righteousness. As it is written, "Being then made free from sin, ye BECAME the servants of righteousness" (Rom 6:18). Thus it is said of those in the Son, "But now being made free from sin, and BECOME servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom 6:22).
Those who do not serve the Lord here, will surely not serve Him there – and no one will be in glory who does not "serve Him!" Let it be clear, being addicted to self interests in this world excludes one from being forever with the Lord. Knowing the condition of the contemporary church, this is an alarming consideration. Yet, it does need to be said. In a most solemn injunction, the Spirit admonishes, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" (1 Cor 7:23). Again we are reminded, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor 6:20, NKJV). No person can afford to take such admonitions lightly.
However, this is not a matter to be bound upon men with the chords of Law. Rather, it is to be mentioned within the context of glory. The people of God must have this held before them: "His servants shall serve Him!" If there is joy in serving Him now, who can imagine the magnitude of the joy to be experienced then? If satisfaction is found in Divine service here, in the war zone, what will our involvement in the world to come bring?
Here, in this world, and in this present time, we are being oriented for glory. This is the time and place where appetites for the things to come are developed, and where familiarity with the will of God is cultured. This is all preparatory for the time when the present heavens and earth will pass away, and there will be a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness (2 Pet 3:13). The grace of God in Christ Jesus is designed to ready us for that time. That grace will teach us that "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). Those who learn such things will surely be among those mentioned in our text: "and His servants shall serve Him." Make sure you are among them!
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for the privilege of serving You now, and the prospect of serving You then.