What does the servant's choice in Exodus 21:5 teach about loyalty and love? Setting the Scene Exodus 21:2-6 describes a Hebrew servant who could leave after six years of service. Instead, he may make a deliberate, lifelong commitment to remain. Exodus 21:5 records his words: “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master… and do not want to go free,’” The Servant’s Declaration: A Heartfelt Choice • Voluntary, not forced—love motivates the decision. • Public—made before judges and sealed by piercing his ear to the doorpost (v. 6). • Permanent—“servant for life,” showing loyalty that outlasts circumstance. Lessons on Loyalty • Loyalty grows from gratitude; six years of benevolent care convinced the servant his master was worth serving forever. • True loyalty is expressed in action, not mere words—he stands before witnesses and accepts a visible mark. • Loyalty embraces permanence; the servant forsakes personal freedom for the security of belonging. Compare Ruth’s pledge to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17) and believers’ call to present themselves as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). Lessons on Love • Love is relational: “I love my master, my wife, and children.” He treasures people over independence. • Love is self-sacrificing; he yields possibilities of new ventures in favor of faithful presence. • Love willingly submits; just as Jesus “humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:8), the servant humbly chooses continued service. • Love unites loyalty and affection; he stays not from duty alone but from heartfelt devotion. New Testament Echoes • Jesus models the greater Servant who chose the cross out of love (John 10:17-18). • Paul calls believers “bond-servants of Christ” (Galatians 1:10), inviting the same willing allegiance. • Ear-piercing at the doorpost prefigures hearts “circumcised” to hear and obey (Jeremiah 31:33; James 1:22). Personal Application • Reflect on God’s kindness that inspires voluntary, lifetime commitment. • Let gratitude fuel steadfast loyalty in marriage, church, and daily work. • Wear your allegiance openly—actions, words, and lifestyle that mark you as Christ’s servant. • Choose love over autonomy, knowing true freedom is found in joyful submission to the Master who first loved you (1 John 4:19). |
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