Thursday, January 24, 2019
Luke 17:10 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."
IN HIS MAJESTY'S SERVICE
What employee expects when he has finished his duties for the day to be invited into the home of the owner? What worker does his job and then expects the boss to wait on him hand and foot?
We accomplish our duties because they are our duties. We do our duty and are paid for our labors. We shouldn't pretend that we are owed some gratitude or thanks for doing what is our responsibility to do.
Faith is a humble thing. We understand that what we have is a gift of God. We don't boast in ourselves, but in Christ. It is heart-rending to hear someone who has not made use of God's Word or the Lord's Supper in months say, "Pastor, don't worry about me, my faith is strong."
Faith's confidence is not in it's strength, but in the fact that Jesus our Lord is strong and He strengthens us through His Word.
When you finish doing the things God has laid before you today, do not boast, but say, "I need no recognition, I'm just doing what is mine to do by using what God has given me." We deserve no special thanks from God, but ought to thank Him for the strength and the opportunity to serve Him. Even the most gifted servant is still a servant to His Master. We ought not pretend the Lord owes us anything. When we are successful it will be because of the LORD, not because of our efforts.
May God so strengthen our confidence in Christ Jesus so that we always look to Him for the strength to complete our tasks, and to do so in His service. May we also do these things humbly, recognizing that without Him we could do nothing.
