OCCUPY TILL I COME Melvin Andrew Luke 19:13 “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Every work, however small, is to glorify God and to gain in His Kingdom. For years I have ear-witnessed many who are privileged and lucky to get a job complain; “Work, work, work.” “Can’t wait till Friday.” “I should get another job, this job is too stressful.” “I want to quit.” Yes, even I have made various complaints and excuses not to work. But God is faithful in our prayers and pleas. I often remember my silent request to God after I got married, “Help me Lord to provide for my wife and coming baby.” God gave me a job that I would never dreamed of – a Village Public Safety Officer. By God’s mercy and grace, He allowed me to work in that position for over 20 years! There were trying times, tempting times, triumphant times, and troubled times, but He allowed me to go through them teaching me one thing; to completely trust Him and His Word. I was tired having worked continuously for over three days with little rest. We had a full house in the police station and arrested several individuals for various misdemeanor crimes. We had a multi-community search and rescue operation for a couple of teenagers lost in a winter snowstorm. (Thank God they were found!) We had another search and rescue for another young man who unfortunately succumbed to the elements. After notifying the family of the deceased I went home tired physically, mentally, and spiritually. After quietly filling with much needed food and water I laid down slowly drifting off to much needed rest. Just when dreamland approached, another report of a missing person came in. I got up cursing and really questioning why I have this job! I dressed and began driving off towards Housing questioning God, unhappily! I began yelling in the patrol car, “Am I serving You?!” “Am I serving You God, as a VPSO?!” I looked upwards and yelled even louder a third time as I got behind Manokotak mountain. Then a voice deep inside my being shook my very soul! “YES, YOU ARE SERVING ME!” I hit the brakes and sat idle for a moment, not quite understanding and believing what I just heard. The tiredness and dissatisfaction and disgust disappeared! I was tired no more or angry. My mind was racing from one question to the next as fast as my mind could think of them. As I entered the elder Search & Rescue leaders home the VHF blared looking of me. It was the person reporting the missing person, the missing was seen in Dillingham and we didn’t have to search anymore. I went back home, went to bed and God gave me the best rest I ever had! I did not question God anymore after that! Complaining? Not satisfied with what God gave you? Wanting more rest or ‘vacation’ time? God ordained work as the normal routine of living. Every legitimate human task, therefore, is of basic worth, however lowly it may seem, and is potentially a means of glorifying God. God created work as to support ourselves, find self-fulfillment, serve others, but more importantly to glorify God! We were created by Him to be stewards of His creation and everything else that He ordains. This parable of the faithful and unfaithful stewards or workers should give a clear message when we begin doubting our work. Yes, my friend, complaining and compromising our work is doubting God’s plan for us. If we are faithful in the least, God will place you in much. This begins in your obedience in the home, school, work, and with Him! The Bible is clear in the consequences of not working for Him. Let’s read. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 The Obligation to Work “Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. We did not accept anyones support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow. While we were with you, we used to tell you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other peoples business. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living. But you, friends, must not become tired of doing good. It may be that some there will not obey the message we send you in this letter. If so, take note of them and have nothing to do with them, so that they will be ashamed. But do not treat them as enemies; instead, warn them as believers.” (GNT)
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:16:34 +0000
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