Day 238
Luke 19:13
"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
Jesus told his disciples a parable in response to their attitude that the kingdom of God would appear immediately. The story is about a nobleman who went to a far country (representing a long period of time) and left his servants in charge of his goods. He said they should occupy, which means engage in business with the goods in their possession until he returned.
Some groups who were expecting Jesus to return quit everything they were doing and waited to be supernaturally transported away. That contradicts what Jesus taught. Certainly, if we are working on our jobs, ministering to our families, feeding our pets, serving in the church or performing some other duty, Jesus can locate us when He returns. It is foolish for us anyway_to presume we are waiting in the right physical location.
Jesus wants us to be living productive lives when He comes. The angels said to the disciples on the day of Christ's ascension, "Why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away and lifted up from among you into heaven, will return... " (Acts 1:11 Amplified Version) The angels did not say, "Jesus is coming back as you have seen Him leave. So, stay right here and keep your eyes on the sky."
If the disciples were not to gaze as they awaited Jesus' return, it meant they should have been found busy when He appeared. Living every day as though Jesus will return simply means we are not wasting time. It means we are taking advantage of opportunities to be profitable servants in God's kingdom. Ministering to our families and working so we can eat is a part of the normal life we live while we are serving God. We should not try to deliver ourselves. God expects us to continue with our responsibilities until the time comes for Him to deliver us from this world.
I will remain active in my everyday life, endeavoring to be fruitful and productive for my Lord each day. He will not find me gazing, but occupying when He comes.