For over 300 years the African slave trade was an ugly stain on history. It is estimated that over 15 million slaves ended up in South and North America. Slavery took the lives of many. History teaches us of the inhuman treatment of slaves. To this day racism is felt in many places.
Yet, Paul referred to himself both as a slave and a bond servant in Rom 1:1 and Phil 1:1. The normal believer does not identify with that. Believers see themselves as children of God, followers of Jesus, modern day disciples, Christians, but you will rarely hear anyone refer to themselves as a bond servant or a slave to Jesus.
Truth is the modern church has it backwards. People see themselves as the master and Jesus existing to serve them or to meet their needs. That is not the case. Jesus bought and paid the redemption for His church. Therefore, He has the right and ownership over saved people. He has the authority to call people to do anything, go anywhere, a and at anytime.
The saved, in light of our salvation and the price paid for it, have no rights. We exist to please and glorify our Master. We, therefore, are to submit to Jesus. We are to obey Him. We are to serve Him. And we are to do this all voluntarily.
African slaves did not have that luxury. They were forced into bondage. They were severely punished and even killed if they did not obey. They really had no choice. If they tried to escape they were hunted down with hounds and beaten into submission or killed.
Paul voluntarily considered himself a bond servant to Jesus. Why? What other response is there to love and grace of God poured out to redeem us from a life of sin and eternal destruction. God's love and grace leads people into voluntary bond service as with Paul. Should it be any different for the rest of us?
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