“The Unprofitable Servant”
The first time I read Luke 17:7-10, I was appalled by the actions of the master toward his servant. It seemed to me that this servant was working his tail off and it seemed that the master just required more and more of him. “Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.” (vs. 9) “I trow not” means absolutely not! I just could not believe that someone could be so hard hearted to not even want to thank his servant for his service. So you can imagine the shock in my heart as I began to study this passage and found out that “the master” is The Master, Jesus Christ. As I studied this passage, I learned that the emphasis is not on the master’s perspective, but rather on the perspective of the servant. How does the servant see his role and what motivates him to serve the Master? I learned that the true servant of God is privileged to serve the Lord. He is overwhelmed that his Master would allow him the privilege to plow His field, feed His cattle, fix His food, pour His drink, or anything else. The true servant of the Lord does not see the work, but rather interprets everything as a privilege. How do you view the commands of scripture as they relate to you? Is going to church a chore? Is reading your Bible an inconvenience? Is sharing the gospel ignored and disobeyed? Does submitting to your God-given authorities rub you the wrong way? A true servant of God looks at these as privileges and is overwhelmed with the joy that comes from simply doing what is his duty to do. He does not need a thank you. He does not want a thank you. He does not obey in order to get a thank you. The true servant of God is fulfilled and complete just to have the privilege to participate in obedience to God’s clear commands. There is nothing about me that makes me deserve anything except eternity in hell, separated from the holiness, purity, and greatness of God. The fact that God sent His Son to pay my sin’s price and offer to me salvation is a testimony of His grace, mercy, goodness, and love. His expectations of me as His child, saved by grace, are privileges and opportunities for me. As a true servant, rather than an arrogant demander, I see the commandments of scripture as privileges that overwhelm my soul. God is not “lucky” to have me as a servant, but rather I am so blessed to be able to call Him “Master.”
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to enjoy obeying the commands of scripture. Please help me, to see myself honestly, and all that I have been given in Christ.
- Lord, please help me to model a servant’s heart and not the heart of an entitled snob.
- Lord, thank you for being such a loving Master who always has my best interest at heart, and who is always working all things together for my good, because I do love you!