Servant: Beloved of God
My Servant
We casually skim past the description -
“My servant, Moses.”
But when the LORD describes a person, it is wise to stop, listen, and examine His words lest we lose the richness, for His description is crucial to what will follow. So let’s delve deeper.
The Lord used Moses, a free man, to deliver Israel from slavery. Miriam and Aaron had suffered with their people. Although some slaves held positions of great responsibility, most had experienced great oppression. Perhaps one reason they were jealous of Moses was he had not suffered with them under slavery.
Beloved of God
Figuratively, servant is also used of an obedient worshiper of God. Although it may refer to obedience and worship given an idol, the Lord used it to describe Moses as a “familiar servant chosen and beloved of God, on account of piety and approved fidelity.”[1] The wonder of their intimate love is portrayed in Deuteronomy 34 when the Lord buried Moses.
The Lord’s eyes lit with joy whenever He interacted with His beloved servant. Moses listened intentionally, longed after Him, was passionate in his desire the Lord’s name be reverenced, and moved forward in the beauty of intimacy, in a relationship of mutual friendship and trust, to do whatever his Lord desired.
Let us lay aside the connotation of slavery that brings degradation. There is nothing degrading in having the One who is King of kings, and LORD of lords, for Master. Instead, imagine being the deeply loved servant of the Lord!
Honored and Trusted
Historically, to be the master’s servant was a position of honor and trust. The manservant lived in the home and was always close to his master’s side. He knew his master’s idiosyncrasies, what his master loved, or hated. Comfortable with his master’s moods, he approached him accordingly. Others were frightened or intimidated, but not this servant, who boldly entered his master’s presence. He was not obtrusive or disrespectful, but quietly moved to do little things to comfort and soothe his master.
They were comfortable with each other and shared a genuine connection devoid of manipulation or guile that was based on faithfulness, respect, and commitment.
During distressful times when family or close intimates were avoided, his servant was by his side. Knowing his master’s heart, he refused to pick up any offense. The master trusted his servant with his life, and trusting, gave the servant a voice to speak into his heart.
A manservant cared for the most intimate personal needs without shame or discomfort. The master did not feel uncovered or need to hide. This was a pure relationship of intimacy where both felt safe because total acceptance birthed out of respect, was based on true knowledge of each other.
Manipulation Vs. Relationship
Some servants will use their position to manipulate their master and gain control over others. Such falseness will eventually manifest in betrayal. But when one found a faithful servant motivated by love, he was drawn close to his master, who provided all his needs as long as he lived. Provision was based on relationship, not on if the servant was still useful.
Even if one was jealous of that intimate, unshakable relationship, they walked carefully, knowing the servant was loved and respected, they were careful what they said in the presence of the master about his servant, or in the presence of the servant about the master.
Intimacy With God
The Lord allowed Moses into His presence during intimate times of deep grief and anger. Because the Lord trusted him, Moses had the right to speak into God’s heart without being viewed as presumptuous. Moses was transparent; his honesty, deep love, and total commitment to the Lord God blessed the Lord’s heart and quieted His anger. Moses was a faithful servant, deeply loved by the LORD God. Numbers 12 highlights this issue of relationship, where loyalty endures the test of time. But the focus of the passage wasn’t human relationships.
It was about God and man. “For the righteous LORD God trieth the hearts and reins”, He knows our innermost mind, our desires, and affections[2] and He cannot be deceived, (Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 17:3). God respected Moses who completely obeyed Him. Israel often judged God, but Moses never pointed his finger in judgment against God. The Lord’s testimony as He looked at the evidence was:
“This is My servant who is faithful in all My house.”
[1]Servant: H5650 Masculine noun from H5647 (to serve, worship). Slave, servant to a king or lord; man-servant. Fig. used of a worshiper of God; one who obeys God, also refers to obedience to an idol. With the Lord, there is the idea of a “familiar servant chosen and beloved of God, on account of piety and approved fidelity”(Gesenius), Deut 34:5. Accessed 28 Feb 15.
[2]Reins: H3629 kilyah fem. noun from H3627 (vessel). Kidneys: physical organ, seat of emotion and affections; reins. “Used of the inmost mind, as the seat of the desires and affections.” Accessed 3 March 15.
