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Occasionally, while reading the scriptures, there’s a passage that “jumps” from the Bible in total contrast to “greeting-card” type Christianity. Luke 17:5-10 is one of those. After the disciples asked Jesus to “increase their faith”, He identified “mustard seed” size faith as powerful; but then he said this sobering truth:

“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink?’ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” – Luke 17:7-10 NKJV

Instead of a “me-oriented”, “I’m-the-center-of-the-universe” relationship with Jesus, He speaks as if there’s an expectation of dutiful service; because there is. And what’s more, he has a right to expect it. Sure, He loves us unconditionally, but He’s also charged us to serve faithfully without an expectation for recognition or positional betterment.

What drives your service today? Does recognition play a role? Does the lack of it temper your zeal? “We have done what was our duty to do…”

One of the biggest struggles in the life of faith is the pressure to “do”. Spoken and unspoken, self-imposed and others-imposed; the expectation to be “doing” something for Christ can distract from the powerful reality of “being” something in Christ.

Martha and Mary are perfect examples of the contrast. When Jesus was in their home, Martha was busy with the work of being hostess while Mary was busy listening to the Lord. Of course the scripture teaches a strong work ethic, but not at the expense of being “at the feet” of Jesus. Consider the Lord’s comment:

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away.” – Luke 10:41b-42 NKJV

Sometimes we simply need to “be” in the Lord’s presence. It’s not all about trying to keep up with structured reading (that we often fall behind on), getting a “quiet-time” checklist marked off (that can feel robotic), or trying to prove our dedication through activity (that can drain our spirits); it’s about pausing, exhaling, being in His presence, worshipping, and listening…

What do you know to be true?

In John chapter 9 a man born blind is miraculously healed by Jesus. Afterwards, the Jewish leadership verbally attacked the man and his story; questioning his integrity and disassociating him from the synagogue. However, in the midst of the conversation, the man makes a wonderful statement;

“One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.” – John 9:25b HCSB

There were a lot of things about the healing (and the Healer) that the man didn’t have answers for yet, but he could see. There’s great reassurance in thinking about what you know to be true. There are parts of the faith journey that come without explanations, but ask yourself, “What do I KNOW to be true?” Later on in John’s ministry, He wrote several epistles. In the one we call “1 John”, he uses the words “know” or “known” 38 times. He was telling the original readers (and now us) to be confident and “know”. He wrote;

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:13 NKJV

So what things do you know to be true today? Can you list some of them? Faith in Christ isn’t “blind” faith, it’s “seeing” faith (like the man in John 9). Our faith is in One we know, and we know Him to be faithful…always.

Godly discernment looks beyond the obvious.

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” – John 7:24 NKJV

When Jesus spoke these words, He was being accused of blaspheming Jewish law. Obviously, Jesus knew the Law given to Moses (and was not violating it), but there was a fundamental lack of discernment on the part of many to see beyond the surface. However, there are also examples in the gospels of people taking time to pursue what may not be readily understood.

Consider Jesus’ mother Mary and Nicodemus. First, on several occasions, Mary is said to be “pondering these things in her heart”. She didn’t understand exactly what was happening, but her heart was searching for God’s truth. Second, Nicodemus was an educated leader of the Jews (and the one in John ch. 3 asking Jesus about eternal life). He is mentioned several times and eventually takes part in anointing Jesus’ body while laying it to rest. Neither Mary nor Nicodemus had every detail in advance, but their hearts were tender to God’s voice and were given heavenly insight as time progressed.

Are there things today you don’t understand? It’s okay to ask questions. Mary and Nicodemus both asked questions (that’s what produced the wonderful exchange with the angel and the great verse of John 3:16). Questions aren’t the problem, it’s the heart behind the questions that can be. Insight from the Lord is a very precious commodity, and seeking it first is always the best course of action. Are you seeking His insight today?

The Lord’s timing is always perfect.

“Then Jesus said to him, “My time has not yet come…” – John 7:6 NKJV

During the Lord’s earthly ministry, people often wondered about His whereabouts, made suggestions for His next move, and questioned His timing. However, in every circumstance, Jesus stayed faithful to one rule of operation (and one rule only); the Father’s will. As followers of Christ, timing of events can be confusing, shocking, discouraging, and disappointing. And our faith can be stretched to the limit. Truth is, we usually don’t know the big picture, and unanswered questions can test the deepest parts of our soul.

But remember; He’s faithful, His timing is perfect, and He can be trusted…always.