BIBLE READING: Exodus 21-23
Have you ever sung a song in worship and wondered what does that song even mean? For instance, what is a “night with ebon pinion” or how can I “raise my Ebenezer”? If you have ever asked that question, you’re not alone. I once had a teenager in my youth group try to convince his parents that it was okay for him to have his ears pierced because of the song “Pierce My Ear”. Isn’t that one of those songs that after you sing it you think, what does that even mean? Well, you are in luck, because the Bible passage that the song “Pierce My Ear” was based on is found in our daily reading. As Moses is relaying the Law to the children of Israel, there is a section that had to do with slavery. Now I know slavery is one of those hot words that we know and understand to not be a positive thing. Yet in the Old Testament, there was such a thing as slavery in the positive sense. To be a slave, as it’s mentioned in Exodus 21, is more of a “servant”, “bondman” or an “attendant”. We might even view it today as someone we might hire to pay off a debt. While this “servant” is working off a debt within his Master’s (or his sovereign or controller) care, he is to treat him with respect and care as to continue in his service. It is very similar to an employee/ boss relationship, that has been contracted out for a certain period or until a certain loan or debt has been repaid. However, if the servant has developed a positive relationship with his master and he would love to continue in this working relationship, even after the designated time has expired or the debt has been paid, he would choose to have the Master “pierce his ear with an awl, that he might be his servant forever”. I’m sure this was something that happened on somewhat of a regular basis. The piercing would serve to let everyone know that this servant loved and appreciated the relationship he has with his Master. It also served as a sign to others that even though he has been freed of his commitment, he was content to remain under the care of His master. Of course, now you see why the song is so relevant to us today. As Christians, even though we might be free moral agents and have the freedom to go and live our lives the way we choose, we willingly have decided to stay with our Master, not just because we love Him, but we know that He loves us. The message of the song is figurative; listen to the words again and you will see.
“Pierce my ear oh Lord my God
Take me to your door this day
I will serve no other God
Lord I’m here to stay.
For you have paid the price for me.
With your blood you’ve ransomed me.
I will serve you eternally.
A free man I’ll never be.
Pierce my ear oh Lord my God.
Take me to your door this day.
I will serve no other God.
Lord I’m here to stay.
Lord I’m here to stay.