THE WORD 4 ev 1

Today’s Reading is Luke 17 (click here for link)

Jesus said, “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

This section begins with the disciples asking Jesus to “increase our faith.” Jesus' response is a parable about duty. Is Jesus saying that for a person to have more faith, that person must do his duty? Well… that doesn’t sound right does it? When do we ever claim the Gospel to be “do your duty and God will bless you with faith?”

But that is exactly what Jesus is saying! But here is the key to understanding: While faith and duty are inextricably connected, nevertheless, nothing you do matters in terms of your relationship to God.

Confused???

Strangely, this reading becomes good news as we realize that it doesn’t let us off the hook. It is finally a relief to know that reading one more book, contemplating one more pithy saying, meditating on one more piece of scripture, doing one more good deed, joining one more church organization -- none of these is going to make the difference. It is finally a relief to know that my reward is not going to be greater if I think of God as a boss who will be somehow gratified that I did what I was supposed to do, or even more. It is a relief not to have to spend time worrying about these things.

Rather, the Gospel is simply this: We are servants of our Lord because he has graciously called us into service. He didn’t have to!!! We certainly don’t deserve it! And like any servant, we are replaceable. And yet, God calls us “his” people anyway. He does this out of love. For Pete’s sake, the “Boss” died for his servants! In whom else would we trust and put our faith?

The Christian life then is a response to gracious love. If you see that something needs doing in His kingdom, Jesus is saying, “Don’t pause to wonder how God will reward you for your service, just do it. It is your duty.”

In the end, acting in faith (responding to love) is faithful duty. If we are going to quantify faith, then let’s look at its source: The overwhelming gift of undeserved love. In this case, even faith the size of a mustard seed is powerful stuff!

Have a great day,
P.Aaron