The Servant

The Servant (1963) is an interesting British film. Set at the end of that period when middle-class men would still employ manservants, there’s an interesting interplay regarding power and status. Through cunning and psychological pressure, the roles of servant and master are carefully reversed. Tony, the employer, becomes wholly dependent on Barrett, his servant. The latter uses his home for drug-fuelled parties, while his fiancé Susan is banned from the house.

At the Fall, angelic beings created to serve God and, arguably, His beloved human creatures (Hebrews 1:14 Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?), turned the tables and reversed the roles. Their warped will and corruptions were imposed upon humans. We who were created free became enslaved. Some of us were demonised, or possessed by them. Satan became a ‘god’ of this world, the evil power behind many human thrones. When we contrast Satan’s crew with those angels who remained loyal to God, we find the latter in service, passing on God’s messages or doing His bidding, never operating in their own right. Although man was made a little lower than the angels, God’s relationship with him was special and unique, enjoying an intimacy and clemency not given to angel or animal. Angelic servants became humanity's masters; noble humans became dirty, toiling drudges:

I have seen servants on horses, While princes walk on the ground like servants. Ecclesiastes 10:7

Tony's submission to Barret doesnt end well for either. Just as wicked humans play the master by living their lives outside of the Creator’s will, so fallen angels fatally assumed the role of gods and lords, though they were only ever made to serve. Likewise, the Christian surrenders his apparent freedom for Christ’s yoke. Our being bound to Christ is the greatest freedom available. Our freedom from Him is the greatest and hardest bondage our race will ever experience.

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32