Are Your Ears Pierced?

Nearly forty years ago when it was still pretty much “on the edge” of acceptable, I had one of my ears pierced. But because it was so unacceptable to wear an earring in so many circumstances,’ I eventually stopped wearing it: the hole disappeared! Nowadays, piercings are ‘in’—for women, and men.

David said, "My ears you have pierced" (see Psalm 40:6), which could be interpreted, “You have accepted me as your slave," an allusion to the custom of masters boring the ear of a slave who refused his offered freedom (see Exodus 21:6). In other words, "There is a hole in my ear that marks me for the Lord, for life and eternity."

What marks a bond slave in our age? It is what-Paul-calls a “circumcision made without hands” (Col. 2:11)—a picture of the cross that has removed us from the penalty and power of sin. It means submitting to the work of the cross—to separate me from my self—my ambitions and plans—to be completely His. Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to pierce your ears? Do you have the mark of a bond slave?

What Kind of Friend Are You?

Not a week goes by that I don’t get a request to be someone’s Facebook friend. What’s surprising is that I don’t know who they are! I think social networking is redefining friendship. I do realize there are all ‘types’ of friendships: the “hi, how are you,” the “stay-in-touch,” “let’s do lunch,” “chat-after-church.” And then there the friends you share your heart with.

Toward the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus promoted the disciples from servants to friends, describing a friend as one who shares his thoughts and plans—the secrets of his heart (John 15:14-15). This is reminiscent of God’s relationship with Abraham: “shall I hide [my plans] from Abraham” (Genesis 18:17). Up to that point, Abraham’s relationship with God was that of a loyal servant. But on that day, Abraham was promoted—from servant to friend. Accordingly, as a friend, he feels free to question God about His plans—Abraham shares his concerns and in return wants to understand God’s heart. I think Abraham’s questions must have pleased God.

Jesus said to the disciples “if you are my friends, you will keep my commandments.” At first blush that sounds more like servanthood than friendship. But Jesus is saying something like this: “before you obeyed me as a servant does his master, but now I want you to obey me because you love me and want to please me.” They were promoted from ‘workers for’ to ‘partners with.’

By the way, the story of Mary and Martha sheds light on this subject. While Martha was serving Jesus in the kitchen, Mary was sitting with Jesus in the parlor. So what kind of friend are you? Do you spend more time in the kitchen or the parlor? Maybe this is your promotion day!