The Hebrew ebed (or ebhedh) is often translated servant. It is used for anything from a slave to priest or prophet, encompassing all those who toil on behalf of another.
Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers. Genesis 9:25
But did not My words and My decrees, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? Zechariah 1:6
It is also used prophetically of the coming Messiah.
Behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch. Zechariah 3:8
Jesus fulfilled this and willingly came as a Servant, God’s Servant. His work was entirely at the will of the Father, and yet His work was on our behalf.
Paul called himself a slave or servant of God. And we are, too, if we follow Jesus. We are not in bondage for Christ has freed us from sin. But we follow His example to serve.
Am I like Jesus? A worker on God’s behalf? Do I approach life as a servant of God, toiling on behalf of others? Or am I working to further my own goals? I am no longer master of my own time, my own goods, or my own success. It belongs to the One I serve. He has freed me to become a servant. And He has called me to serve you, my neighbor, in my service to Him.
Lord, may I be a faithful servant in Your sight.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.' Matthew 25:21
