The Piercing

 
August 19, 2008  (taken right off the pages of my personal journal)
 
God’s ordained timing is ALWAYS right, just and full of glory!   It has been the beating in the back of my heart to study what it is to be a true bondservant of God.   Now the beat stops and pauses, here now – look.

The claim to be a bondservant was spoken by Paul, James, Peter and Jude and the great apostle John. The quality too mentioned of our Lord Jesus. Paul writes in Ephesians  “…but as a bondservant of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” It is the condition of the heart, the life chooses.

Doulos, (bondservant) the Greek word alone expresses the intensity of the call. I hear it not as a soft spoken word, but one of guttural statement, as if to place your fisted hand pressed againt your gut, and with conviction … “DOULOS!”   Dwelling deep down, brought up only to express the desire to love and serve our God.
 
Paul says in Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”  Spiritual fervor, it too conveys the deep burning, to well up in our service to God.

The bondservant is offered freedom to go his own way, yet given the choice to stay. The choice is to surrender, becoming altogether consumed in the will of the one they serve. Devotion is their motive. Going beyond their own interests to be attentive to their master.

Often we make decisions that are temporary, knowing the final outcome be just a short distance ahead of us. However, the decision of doulos is permanent. In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 15 it graciously describes the contract of the heart being signed by the piercing of the ear. The servant would have their ear pierced against the door post of the house, symbolizing permanence to the house and the master, attached and bonded.  It is known that the ring placed in the ear was of fine gold. The finest of materials, quality and longevity.  The process of becoming a bondervant:  choosing to stay, surrender to anothers will, allow the piercing, and wearing the gold ring.

Realizing the choice is of surrender  has impacted me. It is with guttural tone that I too say “I, a doulos of God.”   I do believe I am now feeling the pain of the piercing.  Piercing pain now, but fine gold as my identifier to come.  The decision of permanence seems so long.  Yet I know that one day, just reaching up and touching the gold in my ear will comfort me, that my Master’s will … has become my own.
 
I, a doulos of God.
 
In Him, DeDe (Ps. 92:4 “You thrill me, LORD …”)