Originally published Tuesday, 07 July 2020.
I just recently asked the women in my Christian Women of Impact Facebook Group this very same question. I received so much feedback and I hope I’ll get the same from you, Sis! Because here’s the thing. Jesus is coming back and before He does, we’ve got to be doing what He has called us to do. The Word of God commissions us to occupy until He comes.
The parable found in Luke 19:12-26, is all about servanthood. It’s actually been called the Parable of the Ten Servants. For starters, Jesus told this story to correct those who thought the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He did this because He didn’t want them to stop serving or working and begin living idle lives (also see 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). So He told a story.
The story begins with Jesus saying in Luke 19:12, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return.” Are you getting it? This is an example of Jesus going away and speaking of His return.
Let’s move on.
Jesus says in Luke 19:13, “Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’” Meaning, use what He have given you while He is gone. The King James Version says, “Occupy till I come.” (which means "to do business")
He goes on to say in Luke 19:14, “But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We do not want him to be our king.'” We know here, that Jesus was speaking of those who hated Him and wanted to crucify Him or who didn't want to accept Him as their Lord and Savior.
Now the story fast forwards.
Jesus says in Luke 19:15-16, “After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. The first servant reported, 'Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!'”
Jesus responded by saying, “'Well done!’ The king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I have entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.'”
Long story short, the second servant invested his money wisely as well and made five times the original amount and was rewarded by becoming governor over five cities. But the third servant didn’t use what was given to him at all. Instead, he insulted the king and buried it.
The Lord in return rebuked him and said these words for him and everyone listening (including us today), “'Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But for those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. And as far these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king – bring them in and execute them right here in front of me!'”
Wow! The message is pretty clear, sis. As servants of our King Jesus, let us use what He has given us before He returns, so we’ll be ready to give our account. This passage of Scripture was a vivid illustration of what is to come in the future. So let us be found using every gift that He has given us and being about His business when He comes back with His reward.
Personally, I am using every gift that God has given me. Nothing wasted. Nothing buried. I’m using my gift to write and speak. I’m using my gift of administration and exhortation to put things together and encourage the body of Christ. I am also evangelizing everywhere the Holy Spirit leads me and giving generously to those who are in need. And I am training up my children in the way that they should go, so that they can use their gifts as well. I am occupying until He comes.
I want my full reward. Not only that, but I’ve already spoken to the Lord in my quiet time saying, “I love working! I love serving Your people. I love spreading the Good News. I just love the fact that in heaven and New Jerusalem, I won’t get tired.” Amen!
So again, what are you working on, sis? Are you using what God has given you in this life? Are you about His business?
We only have one life to live. So let’s use what’s been given to us, so when He returns, our King will say to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21)
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Have you been occupying, sis? What has God entrusted you to? I'd love to hear about it. Email me or leave a comment.
If you need prayer, please leave your prayer request in the comment section or you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I'd love to hear from you.
Join me for this month's, "Let's Talk!" I'll be talking about, "Ministering from Home." Learn more on my Inside Out with Courtnaye Facebook Page and "Like" the page while you're there to continue growing together in faith. Let's Talk is happening, Tuesday, July 7, 2020 @ 8:30pm (CST). I hope you'll join me!
Also, discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com. Let's connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye
*Grab my NEW book today! Visit www.courtnayerichard.com or Amazon to order! Thanks!
Courtnaye Richardis the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
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