A Bond-servant. An ancient practice

I remember, as a kid, watching the show MASH. A mobile medical unit in the Korean War dealing with the tragedies of war. In one episode, One of the main characters saves a Korean's life, and they willingly become their servant in response. They did everything for the character. It struck me then and even still now that this person willingly laid down their life, and everything they did was done for the one who saved their life from death. They were living for the one that saved them. I was convicted, Am I living in a way that reflects this sort of gratitude to the Lord? Do I recognize that, IF He hadn't saved me I would be dead? And so I should live as if I am dead - and surrender my will for HIS.

It reminds me of two scriptures: Romans 6:8-11 (NIV):

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV):

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

The oriental practice of becoming a slave of the one who saves your life is rooted in the concept of "redemption" and "bond servitude" that appears in various cultures, particularly in the ancient Near East, as well as in biblical practices. This practice can be seen in several ways in history, including in the context of slavery, indebtedness, and personal loyalty, especially after someone had saved another person’s life.

In the biblical context, the idea of becoming a bondservant or servant to someone who has saved you or redeemed you reflects a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness. The concept is akin to the Hebrew practice of "redemption" found in the Old Testament, and it is also a powerful metaphor used in the New Testament to describe the relationship between believers and Jesus Christ.

1. Old Testament Concept of Redemption and Bondservitude

In the ancient Near East, when someone was in extreme debt, they could sometimes sell themselves into servitude to pay off their debt. However, if someone saved their life or redeemed them from slavery, they were expected to be profoundly loyal to their redeemer. This idea is seen in the practice of "redeeming" a person or property.

For example, in the Old Testament, there was a law called the Year of Jubilee, where every 50th year, all debts were forgiven, and land and people were set free. However, before that, individuals who were in debt or slavery could be redeemed by a family member or a close relative, called a kinsman redeemer.

• Leviticus 25:47-49 (NIV):

  
  

  “If a foreigner residing among you becomes rich and any of your fellow Israelites become poor and sell themselves to the foreigner or to a member of the foreigner's clan, they retain the right of redemption after they have sold themselves. One of their relatives may redeem them..."

This practice extended to situations where someone might offer to redeem the life or freedom of another.

2. Bondservant After Redemption

When someone was redeemed, they sometimes entered into a bondservant relationship with the one who saved them. This meant that they would serve the redeemer out of gratitude and loyalty. This was more than just an ordinary contract of servitude; it was a deeper commitment based on the personal act of salvation or rescue.

• Exodus 21:5-6 describes the situation where a Hebrew servant who had been set free after serving for a period of time could choose to remain with their master if they loved him and his household. They would then be considered a "bondservant" for life:

  “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life."

This shows the profound connection between the act of redemption (whether saving someone’s life or freeing them from debt) and the voluntary servitude that followed out of love and gratitude.

3. Jesus and the New Testament Parallels

In the New Testament, the concept of redemption is carried forward, particularly in the relationship between Jesus Christand His followers. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), and in doing so, He "redeemed" humanity from the bondage of sin and death.

• Mark 10:45 (NIV):

  
  

  "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

This act of redemption by Christ mirrors the ancient practice where the one who saves your life (or rescues you from danger or indebtedness) would become someone to whom you would feel a deep obligation, resulting in a life of loyal service. This is expressed in the idea that Christians are "slaves of Christ" or "bondservants of Jesus."

• Romans 6:17-18 (NIV):

  "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

The language of "slavery" in the New Testament is used in a spiritual sense, symbolizing the total commitment and loyalty to Christ that comes from having been redeemed. Just as someone who was physically redeemed might choose to stay with their redeemer, so believers, having been saved by Christ, are called to serve Him and follow His commands out of love and gratitude.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV):

  "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."

Conclusion:

The practice of becoming a servant to the one who saves your life is deeply rooted in the biblical concept of redemption, where an act of salvation leads to a voluntary commitment to serve the one who redeemed you. In the New Testament, this practice is used as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, where believers, having been redeemed by Christ, are called to live in faithful service to Him. Just as ancient bondservants expressed loyalty and gratitude for their redemption, so Christians are called to offer their lives in service to Christ, who redeemed them through His sacrifice.

I pray that I will continue to submit my heart and life to His will.