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?
Doing good is nothing special, it is our duty, what we were made for.
In my experience, I really have to work at being and doing good.
My natural drift is to look after myself, my needs and my desires.
I feel good when I do something good, and imagine Jesus smiling at me.
He probably is, though not because he’s impressed with my goodness.
That little step of goodness reminds him of where he wants to take me.
We are just unworthy servants, and yet Jesus does invite us to eat.
He does not treat us as servants, he treats us as friends.
“I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends…” (John 15:15)
Jesus has come to bring us back into this life of goodness.
Where it is normal to love and serve and share and care.
Where we all sit around the table as worthy servants… Friends.
And where everyone is thankful for everyone doing their duty!
PRAYER
Lord, you have initiated a community where everyone is to serve everyone, and everyone is welcome to sit and eat. Help this to become normal for me, and for our community!
“We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” We don’t serve because it gives us credit – we serve and are ready to serve because we are in the position to do so – we have a role. We are all under God – the Master – it is our place. But we are more than ready servants who are expected to serve the Master – we have a special place. We have an “in”. Through Jesus we are much loved children – again children who seek to please their Father. I don’t see serving as a ‘must do’ – but rather as a privilege – Lord help me to serve even if I’ve been out in the field all day and tired – but always ready even when is’s not convenient – because that is my privilege!
You and I were created to serve – serve our Saviour. That is our task Serve Him in all I do. And we do this serving joyfuly. All for Jesus.
And being part of the famiy of God, doing what we were created to do, Jesus also welcomes you and me to His banqueting table for His banner over us is love. Help me this day Lord, and every day to share Your goodness to all those around me, being an instrument of Your peace, serving You in all I do and say.
1
I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
2
In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading,
Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.
3
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.