Probably half of all the people in the Roman world of Jesus' day were slaves. They were prisoners-of-war, or debtors, or the poor who sold themselves into slavery. Under Hebrew, Greek and Roman law slaves' rights were clearly defined. Some worked in the fields or mines; others could be CEO's of their masters' businesses and be quite well off.

Jesus and his followers did not oppose slavery. (Unbelievable social dislocation would then have resulted: slaves often revolted, and were sometimes crucified if caught). The New Testament urges masters to treat their slaves humanely, and encourages slaves to do an honest job. Christian values later led to slavery being outlawed in Britain (1807) and in the U.S (1808). But there are still over a hundred million slaves in our world.

Jesus says our relationship to God is like that of a slave. We are duty-bound to do what our Lord and Master wants us to do. But everything he gives us is from a motive of grace. Our appropriate response is 'Here am I Lord... what do you want me to do?' And when you done it, said Jesus, you've only done your duty, so don't congratulate yourself too readily!

Lord, I am yours. Signed, your willing servant .................