PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 17:7-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10)
Do we see doing good as something that we should get credit for?
In our sinful world, doing good is indeed something beyond normal.
But it shouldn’t be; we were made to live this life as normal.
If being and doing good is supposed to be normal, I know how I fall short.
In my experience, I really have to work at being and doing good.
My natural drift is to look after myself, to meet my needs, to satisfy my desires.
I get excited when I do something extra good, and imagine Jesus smiling at me.
Which he probably is, though not because he’s impressed with my good deeds.
That little step of goodness reminds him of where he wants to take me.
The shocking good news is that Jesus does prepare supper and invite us to sit and eat.
Jesus knows us, and sees our sincere but flawed and weak efforts to do our duty.
Our spot at the table is by grace, not because we’ve earned or deserve it!
Every time we come to the table, we are reminded how Jesus sees and welcomes us.
“I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends…” (John 15:15)
PRAYER
Lord, what a blessing to know that I am welcome at your table. May this grace inspire me to keep on struggling to do my duty as best as I can.
Picturing myself as a servant of the King – gives me comfort. I serve to please my king – that is what is expected – it is not that I can achieve better status or special considerations – rather it is gratitude that drives me – He saved me and continues to care for me. My King is the best and knows what is good – and even if some ‘corrections’ may be challenges – I know in the end He will care for me and I may then sit down in peace. Lord help me to serve for you – not myself!
I am created to serve Him. That is my role, my task, my duty. And He empowers me, gives me strength each day anew to live for Jesus, striving to please Him in all I do. Created to serve, being an instrument of His peace – my God given role.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.