Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? – Luke 17:9
On this beautiful day of gifts, take a moment and consider the other side of the story. Upon receiving any gift, a “thank you” is generally all that is expected in response. However, human nature often connects the size of the gift with the size of the anticipated response!
The Christ Child was given to Earth by a kind God, so love-struck by His creation He chose to crawl into their skin and save them from their plight of sin, with His own blood. As you have received that gift, you likely have been baffled at how to express your gratitude. As followers of Christ are called to do, you say “thank you“ by dedicating your life to His Kingdom.
The reality of living a Christ-centered life comes with challenges. Standing toe to toe with a world system that is hostile to God and rejects His gift, you may find yourself mocked and persecuted by those set only on serving self. Under such pressure, you may even ask, “Does God really notice what I am doing for Him?”
Christ’s teaching on servanthood found in Luke, offers a direct answer to your question. Your gratitude for God’s gift of eternal life is never misplaced, and your dedicated service in His Kingdom is a reasonable response to the magnitude of His gift!
Nurture and protect the joy of serving your Savior, remembering and emulating His love and faithfulness. Pray for God’s people in America to embrace life as His new creation, rejecting the world’s self-serving attitudes. Ask that those who do not know Christ will come to Him and accept Him, humble themselves to do God’s will, and serve in His Kingdom.
Today’s Verse: Luke 17:9
Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 4:10-16
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
