Luke Book Study - TheStoryنموونە

We’ve Got Work To Do

This passage can be a challenging one for those of us who struggle with issues of self-esteem and self-worth. I just came from talking to a close friend whose life is crumbling. She has never felt like she was good enough. She has never truly believed that she was lovable to anyone, especially God. So she’s tempted to skip over teachings like this because to her, they read like yet another rebuke.

But I don’t think that’s what Jesus was going for here. Here, Jesus is warning us not to let our secure place as his beloved lead us to a sense of entitlement. He’s saying, Watch yourself. Check yourself. Yes, things may come along which cause us to stumble, but we are not to do the same to others. Yes, people will keep hurting us, but we must continue to forgive. And don’t wait until God increases your faith; the little faith you can muster is enough.

If you think that you can sit back, reap the blessings that God bestows, and yet not live up to God’s call to a life of discipleship, think again. That would be like the new temp at work expecting applause for turning on the coffee pot, or taking the afternoon off because he successfully managed the emails. We each have our responsibilities and our duties in this new life of Christ.

And for my friend who is struggling? I would also point out that Jesus does not—ever—call us slaves. We have our work to do. We do our work. Then, we stop for the day and share in his rest.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Jesus, I’m sorry for the many times I have been spiritually lazy, have failed to forgive and have been a stumbling block to the faith of others. Help me to do the work you have set before me, and thank you for the faith you have given me. Amen

Mags Storey

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).