No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.
–John 15:15
In the late 1800s, servitude was still common in England.
Servants remained at a distance from their master’s personal business. But in 1887, a unique relationship developed between a servant and a royal employer.
Abdul Karim was originally hired to serve those in the royal household of England.
At first, he simply waited on Queen Victoria at meals.
However, the elderly queen was very taken with him. She quickly appointed him her personal secretary, gave him an English education and took him along on her travels. Then, before her death, she arranged for land to be set aside for him in his retirement, a privilege only given to especially honored soldiers or family.
When we signed up to be Jesus’ followers, we offered our hands and feet, our mouths and ears to God. He’s our master. We admire Him. We obey Him. We trust Him. We seek to please Him.
Somehow, our Great Master has a fondness for us. He had obedient servants long before we were created; the angels praise Him and do His bidding, but He found something special in human beings. He’s brought us closer to Him than any of His other creations.
He has offered us — He has offered you — a place in His royal family.
Prayer
Loving Lord, Thank You for considering me a part of Your family. Thank You for loving me, and all of humanity, enough to want to spend eternity together. I accept Jesus’ precious sacrifice and His precious gift of grace. Help me to always be grateful for His friendship. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
In my daily life, how am I a servant of God? In what ways am I a friend of Jesus?