Prayer: Father, like the psalmist, I lift my eyes to You. Keep my eyes focused on You alone. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 123 key: vs. 1-2
1 A Song of Ascents.
To You I lift up my eyes—
You enthroned in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of slaves to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a slave-girl to the hand of her mistress—
so our eyes look to Adonai our God, till He shows us favor
Attention: Have you ever attended or participated in an American Kennel Club event? Have you noticed how focused the dog is on their master? I have a few friends who are canine lovers and have owned or own show quality dogs. The hours of training, grooming, and building a bond with their dog is endless. It is impressive how talented our furry friends are.
Today the psalmist commits his eyes to Adonai (vs.2b), like a slave, owned by their master. A slave is singularly focused on satisfying his master. I authored a book titled BondSlave in which I make several observations about Romans 6, where Paul reveals that there are two masters in the world. Which one do you serve is the question? He tells us that formerly, we served the master of evil and wickedness but when you become born again, your life pivots and there is an exchange of masters and you become a slave of righteousness.
Slaves are purchased and with Yeshua, you were purchased with His blood which is called redemption. He redeemed you by His blood, He paid the price for your sin and my sin on Calvary. I hope you have received His redemption, His gift of new life. When scripture says Yeshua freed the slaves, it is talking about a spiritual slavery. He freed us from our old master and while being a bondslave of Yeshua is not demanded, I am compelled because of His great love to submit my life as a bondslave of Yeshua, just as Paul (Romans 1:1), Peter, Jacob (James), and Timothy declared.
Slavery has a negative connotation and rightfully so. But remember, man oppresses, and Adonai frees, which is a vast difference. I encourage you to focus your eyes as a slave of Yeshua today.
Action: I yield my eyes and my body, heart, and soul unto Adonai.
Yield: I give myself to Adonai as a bondslave.
Engage: I am engaged with Yeshua when I yield myself as a bondslave.
Relationship: The deepest, fullest relationship I can have with Adonai is as a bondslave.
Prayer: Father, may my eyes and my heart be fully focused on You. Amen.
Memory Verse: Psalm 121: 1b-2
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains—
from where does my help come?
2 My help comes from Adonai,
Maker of heaven and earth.
Music Video: No Chains on Me – Chris Tomlin – Lyrics
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”