Servant-Spirit, Servant-Mind, Servant-Life

John 17:4

Heavenly Will
A servant in service to his master should have a servant-spirit. Servant-hood is far greater than busying oneself in religious service and activities. It is accomplishing the heavenly-will – the divine purpose in each life. Jesus said that He had glorified the Father by finishing the Fathers work… “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” John 17:4

Finished Word
Paul also said that he had concluded the work that God gave him to do. “I’ve fought a good fight, I’ve finished my course, I’ve kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7  A man who can truly say, “I have finished my course,” is an entirely broken life. This is the force behind ‘obedience’ in a servant. This is the power of true service.. this is the servant-spirit – the servant-mind – the servant-life.

Servant-Slave
When a servant-slave in Israel ended his time of servitude, he could claim his liberty, but that servant-slave could also choose to remain in service. That servant-slave could leave his master or choose to remain a servant-slave forever. A blood-covenant was made and the ear of the servant was pierced with an awl. Blood dripped to the threshold, and master and servant stepped across that flood, – confirming a covenant of love – a service of love – a deep love for his master.

Blood-Covenant
To have stepped upon the drops of blood would have been an unholy act.  To have trodden under-foot the blood-covenant of love would have been shocking. But to “Pass-over” the blood together cemented a relationship of service forever. This is the service that our Lord desires from each of His own bond-servants, for we are not our own, we are bought with the price of Christ’s precious blood.   Should this not awaken in us a servant-spirit, a servant-mind, a servant-heart?

Servant-Heart
We look to Isaiah as the one that exemplifies such a servant-heart… It was Isaiah who cried, “Woe is me, for I am undone – because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips, For my eyes have seen the king, The LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

Send Me
But it was only as the might and majesty of God filled the heavenly temple.. it was only after the live coals of the alter touched his lips that Isaiah could say,  Lord; Master; Saviour; God – send me.. “LORD – Here am I! Send me” Isaiah 6:8

Bond Servants
Isaiah recognised his own lack when he saw the glory of the Lord fill the temple. He was prepared to have his ear pierced with an awl – his mouth cleansed with a coal. The Lord needs such bond-slaves with a servant-spirit, a servant-mind, a servant-life. Men and women who are prepared to cry out in humility, “Lord here am I”.  Servant’s who are taken to an end of themselves so that Christ becomes all in all.

God’s Servant
Perhaps the blood-soaked post and fire-impregnated coals may be too much for some. Perhaps some may choose to live the self-life and walk with Him no more. Perhaps some may not desire a servant-spirit, a servant-mind, a servant-life. But if you can pray, ‘Lord – whatever it takes, do this work in me… Lord – Thy will not mine be done in my life…  LORD – Here am I, send me’, then you too have the makings of a servant after His own heart.. a servant of the Lord with a servant-spirit, a servant-mind, a servant-heart.

Here Am I
But it will cost you your life – your self-life. It will cost you every tiny portion in life that you hold dear, for He will break every ounce within you that clings to your own independence. The Lord is still seeking those with a servant-spirit, a servant-mind, a servant-life.

Whom shall I send?

Here am I – send me.