Occupy : Luke 19:11-27

I love this verse in the KJV: "...Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13. The word occupy in the Greek is pragmateuomai, (recognize the word? pragmatic) to busy oneself. It's from a root word prasso in Greek. The primary verb means to practice, perform repeatedly or habitually, to execute, accomplish, commit, keep. The root word prasso means do business, work.

While it is comforting to know we have a church we call our home church, sooner or later we come face to face with the call to occupy! Then it's no longer just coming to church once in awhile after we realize there is work to be done. Maybe you aren't in a place where you realize what the gifts are that God has given to all of us, but the gifts are there. He promised.

Remember all the land that God gave to Israel? Beautiful land, full of plenty for God's people. Only thing was, someone else occupied the land that belonged to Israel. In our own lives, we have the promise of a fruitful heart and life...here it comes again, occupy. That means we have constant business in our hearts just like Israel had in the land. When they obeyed God's commands, they overcame all obstacles, when they didn't obey, they lost the land. Have you ever had the feeling you are in the same old territory? Be of good cheer, I have too, so have millions of other Christians. We have the Lord, who will never leave us or forsake us.

One of the important things in this occupation is to watch and pray. When Nehemiah and the other leaders were rebuilding the temple, they had their sword in one hand and a tool in the other. Watchmen stood guard on the wall night and day. Be vigilant!

Are you wondering what you can possibly do in the church that looks like they have all the volunteers they need? First of all, love God with all your heart and strength, love and support the church, love and support the leaders of the church. If you love kids, they need you. Does your church have guest services? Volunteer and make the stranger welcome, just as you were when you came. Have you got a musical talent you've been hiding? Sing and praise the Lord out loud! Whatever your gifts are, Jesus makes room for you.

The servant that really delivered the goods was given more. Serving in the church is about pleasing God, doing it for Him and it turn we bless the people we help, and the Lord blesses us. If you are a volunteer in your church, encourage other people who are hanging on the sidelines looking in. They really do want to know they have an eternal purpose of this great big plan of God's.

Let's do business. After you start, never look back.