Luke 17:5-10 (NRSV)
Read Luke 17:5-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" Verse 6The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. Verse 7"Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Verse 8Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Verse 9Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? Verse 10So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"
Devotion
Jesus compared labor in the Kingdom to that of a servant. About the time we think we are through for the day and due thanks and rest, something comes up that demands more of us.
Jesus’ analogy to the labor of a servant, however, is not a statement that God is an arbitrary slave owner who holds no regard for the servant. No! Rather, it’s a clear statement of reality that life and service in the Kingdom is difficult. Indeed, Kingdom life often calls us to take stands and model a life that is contrary to the culture. It calls us to confront the powerful and arrogant, and offer a different vision of how to live. This is demanding and difficult work. Yet it is work that we should gladly do – not because it is work that will bring us a reward. No, we should do it because it is simply the work of the Kingdom!
Prayer
Creating and faithful God, you send us, your servants, into the world to proclaim your reign of love and justice. Pour upon us your Spirit, O God, that empowered by the vision of your Kingdom we would not lose heart when our efforts are neither rewarded nor appreciated. May your love for us and for all the world be sufficient to sustain us, however wearying the journey may be. In the Name of the One who was ever faithful to the mission you gave him, Jesus. Amen.