HEBREWS 3:5

“Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later;”

There’s a big difference between being made to serve in a capacity and choosing on your own. If you are made to do something, you will despise it. You will hate every moment. But if you choose to do it, no matter how hard it might be, you can find true joy. I had a CNA recently while I was in the hospital who came into my room every few hours to check my vitals. She was always humming a song, usually a hymn. Though her job was tedious and demanding, she put joy into it. I thanked her for that.

The writer of Hebrews continues to draw the comparison between Jesus and Moses in today’s verse. Don’t forget to whom he is writing. It is a Jewish audience. These Jews had come to Christ and were facing persecution. They highly revered Moses as part of their Jewish faith, so the writer is making sure they understand that as great as Moses was, Jesus is far greater. Let’s look at what he does in this verse. You might just miss this if you just read an English translation.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is an Application to make here. First, let’s look at something. The word used here for “servant” is not either of the words we commonly see used in the New Testament. It is neither doulos (bond-slave) or diakonos (servant). It is therápōn which is only used one time here in today’s verse. The Topical Lexicon says it, “portrays a personal attendant who renders willing, often intimate service. The term is distinct from the more common doulos (bond-slave) in that it highlights voluntary devotion rather than compulsory labor. It evokes the image of one standing near his master, ever ready to act for that master’s honor.” It goes on to say, “The writer of Hebrews selects therápōn —rather than doulos or diakonos —to underscore Moses’ privileged access to God’s presence and his trustworthy stewardship of divine revelation.” I am not sure what else I could add to that, lol.

Now, how do we apply this to us? First of all, I don’t think we can call ourselves a therápōn. We are never called that anywhere in Scripture. However, we are referred to as doulos or diakonos. I hope I haven’t lost you. I don’t usually get this deep in the weeds. Bottom line – we too are called to be servants of the most high God, just in a different role. Moses’ role was unique. The writer says he was a “testimony” for things to come. In that way, so are we. We are to testify of the coming Christ to all who will listen.

Are you serving willingly or begrudgingly? Your face will tell. As you serve in your role(s) at your church or your family or your community, tell your face to show joy. Even if you are having a hard time with the task, your upturned face can change your mood.

Thank You, Father, for allowing me to serve You in the role(s) You have given me.