Word@Work Luke260 - Luke 17:7-10
Published: Tue, 12/21/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ENOUGH FAITH TO DO YOUR DUTY WELL
Luke 17:7-10 "Suppose one of you had a servant ploughing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" (NIV)
After Jesus' had spoken to the disciples about the amazing things when a person exercises faith, He brought His disciples 'down to earth' with a jolt, with a parable which is the antidote to sentimentality or spiritual pride. It is true that those who have been born into the kingdom of God are special and have a relationship as sons with a Father: but it is also true that we are servants called to obey His commands. Sentimentally it is easy to assume that we can ignore God's commands because we are so special and God won't mind: or proudly we can assume that the wonder of our faith-works are a testimony to their own goodness, holiness or power. Neither is true!
Jesus said that a master employs a servant to do a certain amount of work for a fixed sum of money. Strictly defined, the master/servant relationship does not have to include any other favours, rewards or even thanks. Servants who fulfil their contracts should be satisfied with the agreed payment and not look for 'bonus payments'. To serve as commanded brings its own consolation: the satisfaction of a job well done. The apostles would have many such experiences, working hard in evangelism and discipleship without thanks and no earthly reward. Their temptation, and ours, is to claim the crown before taking up our cross daily to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
Naturally most of us love to live without strain. But there is an essential creative tension in our relationship with the Lord. We are 100% His servants, under His command and expected to fulfil whatever duty He gives us: we are also 100% children of the King. To ignore either is to fail in our bond with our Lord. Both are essential. Sometimes believers feel they need more faith for great works of power, but this parable shows that we also need great faith to continue to obey the Lord despite no encouragement, no obvious 'results' and no thanks. It is true. For most of us, most of the time, faith is worked out in the routines of everyday life, caring for children, working to provide for the home, respecting older family members, courageously maintaining integrity amid corruption, and serving the gospel with a single-minded and selfless passion. It is the test of true servanthood which was modelled to us by Jesus Christ Himself (Mark 10:45). So, don't just think about it ... start practising your faith gladly in the routine duties of life, for Christ's sake.
Prayer: Servant King Jesus. Thank You for Your amazing example of willingness to do Your Father's will - early prayer times, meeting the needs of others before Your own, choosing to sacrifice Yourself for those who did not understand what you were doing. Please forgive me for the many times in which I have wanted to escape the dullness of routine for the excitement of more spiritually exciting work. Help me to be content to be a servant like the prodigal son, and leave it to You to decide how my labours should be recognised. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
After Jesus' had spoken to the disciples about the amazing things when a person exercises faith, He brought His disciples 'down to earth' with a jolt, with a parable which is the antidote to sentimentality or spiritual pride. It is true that those who have been born into the kingdom of God are special and have a relationship as sons with a Father: but it is also true that we are servants called to obey His commands. Sentimentally it is easy to assume that we can ignore God's commands because we are so special and God won't mind: or proudly we can assume that the wonder of our faith-works are a testimony to their own goodness, holiness or power. Neither is true!
Jesus said that a master employs a servant to do a certain amount of work for a fixed sum of money. Strictly defined, the master/servant relationship does not have to include any other favours, rewards or even thanks. Servants who fulfil their contracts should be satisfied with the agreed payment and not look for 'bonus payments'. To serve as commanded brings its own consolation: the satisfaction of a job well done. The apostles would have many such experiences, working hard in evangelism and discipleship without thanks and no earthly reward. Their temptation, and ours, is to claim the crown before taking up our cross daily to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).
Naturally most of us love to live without strain. But there is an essential creative tension in our relationship with the Lord. We are 100% His servants, under His command and expected to fulfil whatever duty He gives us: we are also 100% children of the King. To ignore either is to fail in our bond with our Lord. Both are essential. Sometimes believers feel they need more faith for great works of power, but this parable shows that we also need great faith to continue to obey the Lord despite no encouragement, no obvious 'results' and no thanks. It is true. For most of us, most of the time, faith is worked out in the routines of everyday life, caring for children, working to provide for the home, respecting older family members, courageously maintaining integrity amid corruption, and serving the gospel with a single-minded and selfless passion. It is the test of true servanthood which was modelled to us by Jesus Christ Himself (Mark 10:45). So, don't just think about it ... start practising your faith gladly in the routine duties of life, for Christ's sake.
Prayer: Servant King Jesus. Thank You for Your amazing example of willingness to do Your Father's will - early prayer times, meeting the needs of others before Your own, choosing to sacrifice Yourself for those who did not understand what you were doing. Please forgive me for the many times in which I have wanted to escape the dullness of routine for the excitement of more spiritually exciting work. Help me to be content to be a servant like the prodigal son, and leave it to You to decide how my labours should be recognised. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WLuke260 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2010 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group