I have to admit during all the craziness going on in our nation and the world in 2020, I’m tempted to shut down. Part of me just wants to go buy some “bug-out” land and hunker down to take care of me and mine for the long, dark winter. I wonder if anyone else is feeling that same way? Are you feeling a little discouraged and maybe that the work you are doing needs to be put on pause for the time being?
But that’s not what Jesus told us to do.
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13
This scripture is pulled from the parable of talents. The nobleman goes away to receive His kingdom. Before He goes, He gives out about three months worth of salary to His servants and tells them to do business with it.
I don’t know about you, but I’m occupied alright… Preoccupied by the news, what ifs, what nows, concerns for my children, future freedoms, the list could go on and on… The Greek word here for occupied is pragmateuomai; it means to do business, to be occupied in anything, to carry on the business of a banker or trader. In English occupy can mean: to engage the attention or energies of; to take or fill (an extent in time); to take or hold possession or control of; to fill or perform the functions of (an office or position); to reside in as an owner or tenant.
He had me until it says business… I definitely don’t see myself as a business woman. You don’t have to be a banker to occupy until He comes. If you are one, go and bank for Jesus! Use that place of influence for the Kingdom of God. My friend, Robin, is a Kingdom treasury manager in the world and for the Kingdom. Back on track, Jenny…
You don’t have to be a banker to steward what He has put in your hand. What has He given you to do for Him? Do you sing like an angel? Are you a talented artist? Are you a parent? Are you troubled, and irritated? Irritations should spur us into intercession. Gideon was irritated by the oppression in his land and the Angel of the Lord told him to go in this “might” of his (Judges 6:14). Maybe your call is connected to what irritates you. Hannah was irritated by Peninnah (pearl) and it created a desperation for the child she was meant to have. Pearls are created by coating an irritation with a tear-like substance. We must use those worries to drive us to cry out in His presence. He is the only One who can truly bring resolution and peace.
We can’t allow ourselves to be occupied when we’re called to occupy. We’re called to take hold of, to possess, to perform the functions of _________. Let’s not waste anything He has given us. Let’s use every last drop of giftings, talents, opportunities, and irritations for His glory. May He receive back with interest everything He has placed inside of us. He is worth it. His Church is worth it. The lost are worth it. Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord” will be worth it. Occupy, saints!
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