Luke 17:10

September 16, 2011

"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do'."

I heard a story about a month ago about an armed man attempting to rob a convenience store. The robber pulled out a gun and begun to command the employee to open the cash register. The employee calmly explained to the man that he would have to make a purchase in order to get the box open. While this is all going down at the front of the store, an off-duty police officer who was in the back bathroom came to the front of the store and was able to disarm the robber. Imagine the praise this man received! When interviewed by the local news station he gave Jesus all the glory for keeping the situation under control and allowing him to be in the right place at the right time. He didn't accept all this praise he was receiving, he maintained a humble heart and gave God the glory for allowing him to be used for a good thing. Likewise this is how we should act when praised. We should want the glory to be received by the King.

In applying this I will redirect praise that I might receive toward Jesus in order to better glorify Him.

Luke 17:9

September 15, 2011

"Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not."

It's human nature to seek recognition and desire praise for actions we do. Although it's hard to do the tedious everyday tasks, especially without recognition from another, it is what we are called to do.  When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He didn't stand up and say, Um...guys...I didn't hear a thank you from anyone." Instead, He continues the night and sits with the disciples and partakes of the meal. Washing feet was a job for the lowest servant in  a master's household. Jesus went all the way setting an example of being a servant . He could of just washed the dishes after the meal, but instead He took the lowest position in the household to set an example to the disciples then, and us today the importance of having a servant's heart. This should be an example we harbor in our hearts and remember this act of servitude whenever we want to complain and grumble about chores or the things we have to do.

In applying this I will do something for someone that I might not necessarily like doing, without seeking any recognition.

Luke 17:8

September 14, 2011

"But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my suppper and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'?"

As Christians we are called to be servants to all. Thus we should strive to serve and do service for the Lord in every way possible. This should be a burden on our hearts, Jesus who is God in flesh came down to Earth to be a servant and be sacrificed so that we may spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Should we not want to give Jesus our all, and make as many sacrifices throughout the day as they present themselves. He gave it all for us, the most we can do is heed His' words and obey the call to serve all without the recognition from man.

In applying this to my life I will make a conscience effort to look to serve wherever service might be needed, and go the extra mile with a good attitude.

Luke 17:7

September 13, 2011

"And which of you,having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down o eat'?"

When you have a job or have something your required to do, are you thanked or rewarded by your superior for doing your job? unfortunately we usually do. Why should we expect praise from man, when Jesus expected nothing in return for His' sacrifice and service on this earth. Jesus uses this parable as an example. He asks who actually gives his' servant greater treatment because he completes his work.  We are called to be servants and not seek recognition, which God will give us rewards for our unseen works in Heaven.  

In applying this to my life today I will not seek recognition for doing the work I am expected to complete, and continue to do above and beyond for the Lord.

Luke 17:6

 September 12, 2011

"So the Lord said, 'If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'"

Luke 17:6 was Jesus' response to the disciples request for Him to increase their faith.  Jesus wisely responded that even with the littlest of faith in Him the disciples would be capable to do amazing works.  In applying this to my life today I will strive to put more faith in Jesus which will allow me to do more for the furtherance of the kingdom.