One of the hymns we sing, especially at youth devotionals and events, is entitled “Pierce My Ear.” The song lyrics go through how we will “serve no other God,” and are therefore asking Him to “pierce” our ears. Perhaps we sing this and are touched by how beautiful it sounds, but what do the words really mean?
The meaning of the song goes back to Exodus 21, which discusses protocol for slaves. After six years of serving the master, the slave will go free. However, the law states that in the slave’s seventh year, he may choose to stay with his master and work for him for the rest of his life. In this case, the master would take the slave to the door or doorpost and pierce his slave’s ear with an awl. This would signify the slave’s lifelong commitment to the master.
In a similar fashion, we have the opportunity to choose the Lord as our Master. Romans 6:16-18 tells us that we can be slaves of sin that leads to death, or of obedience to God which leads to righteousness. Paul’s statement to his followers would also indicate that we were slaves of sin at some point (see also Rom. 3:23), and possibly still are, but that we can absolutely choose obedience. Scripture is clear what each choice gives you eternally, so we must choose wisely.
Why should we want to be servants of God? What should stir our hearts enough to choose Him eternally? Part of “Pierce My Ear” says, “For You have paid the price for me. With Your blood, You ransomed me.” God went out of His way to choose us. It was not easy, it was not without sacrifice. God loved us enough to send His Son, and Christ loved us enough to die for us (when He did not have to), so that we may have any chance of salvation. Our Master endured and gave more than any master has for His servants, to us who do not deserve it. If our Master has a love this deep, should we not be moved to return this love? To say to Him “because of what You have done, I choose to serve You eternally.”
When we sing “Pierce My Ear,” we should reflect on what those words really mean. Do we seek for the Lord to metaphorically pierce our ears and to acknowledge our lifelong service to Him? Have we truly chosen to give our lives to Him fully and to “serve no other God” as the hymn says? Throughout this life, there are many ways to live. Our God gives us the freedom to go where we want to go and serve what we want to serve, the same freedom a master would give after six years of service. Our God stands with open arms, though, welcoming us back to Him if we choose. May we reflect on what He has done for us and choose to go to His door to become His slave to eternity.