LUKE 17:1-10 DUTY CALLS This particular Sabbath day was filled with activity and teaching that gives examples and lessons for us today. Warnings and instructions are not just to be heard but to be acted upon. The needs of new believers as well as young children are similar. There are predators on every hand who seek to claim the minds of those young in the faith as well as those young in years. Many of those who have put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation are young in years. The offenses the Lord referred to are like baited traps used to catch unsuspecting animals in the forest. These deliberate snares come today through television, computers, the internet and music and the lyrics of songs that Satan and his emissaries use to bring down unsuspecting young people.
For any person who has influence on others who are new in faith, we need to take special care. Once a person has made a profession of faith in Christ and we are in a position to help or hinder, we need to watch ourselves lest we stumble them in any way. We have a duty to every child we have any influence over, or anyone new in the family of God to lead them by the way we speak, socially, materially or spiritually in ways that strengthen and establish them. They have a right to look at us as examples of those who follow the Savior, not those who follow the paths of sin in this ungodly world. The light of truth and righteousness is to come from us and be a guide to them. Otherwise woe is pronounced on us who do not take up the responsibility and duty to which we are called.
One area of life that is linked with our duty when offenses come, is our obligation and responsibility to forgive - even when those offenses fall on us. It is up to us to assist, not hinder, those who are young in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. We should never cause them to sin by our neglect or careless living. However, if they do, and that sin is against us, it is our duty to forgive them. We need to make sure any correction or rebuke we make is done with compassion, love and consideration for the one who repeatedly sins against us. Each time confession and repentance is verbalized, we are to grant forgiveness, even if it repeated over and over again. This indicates we are to be looking for ways to genuinely forgive rather than look for excuses not to forgive. Rebuke against sin is linked to forgiveness otherwise we are not helping the sinning person. The care for new converts and young people is our on-going responsibility. But we are responsible to instruct them as often as necessary and help them to see through the offenses they are committing to the duty they also have to the Lord. It is our duty to help, teach and forgive them as often as necessary for them to learn the needed lessons. Offenses and forgiveness are linked together. It is our duty to respond to both needs as the Lord gave instruction.
Faith and service are also linked together. The disciples realized that for such radical forgiveness, they needed necessary faith. They were looking for a large quantity of faith they thought was necessary to meet such a need. Trust and dependence on God are faith and it shows itself to be real when there is a willingness to act on God's direction. However, the amount of faith isn't what is important. It is the quality of faith that makes the difference in faithful service. Faith in God is what counts; not how much we have. Faith in ourselves or men is useless. Sincere, real trust in our loving, omnipotent God is what is needed for true and effective service. Strong faith in the wrong person has no value. The object of faith is what is important.
The servant who is plowing is doing the work of an evangelist. Often there are disappointments because the results are so slow in coming. But the faithful servant knows what he is doing is the will of his Master so he keeps at his work. The servant who is feeding the cattle is the teacher who is tending to the on-going needs that are before him. He has been called to "shepherd the sheep," to "feed the flock of God," so he does that and leaves the results of his faithful service to produce the desired results to God who gives the increase. It is our duty to do God's work in God's way according to God's will. That is expected of us. The spirit of our service is linked to our faith in the One who has called us and our devotion to Him. If there is no real devotion to Him, service is a drudgery. When our devotion to Him is real, our duty to perform service for Him is a privilege and a delight.
They need our care and interest, the ones who are young and new - The faith that we have practiced long, for their sakes we must carry through To the place where we know they are able to avoid the traps and snares The enemy of God and his people use, to catch them unawares.
May we never deliberately stumble anyone, or even by our mistakes
Create a problem for those young in faith who watch the way we take. It is our duty to be on guard lest we cause them to fall. Instead we need to be available and near so we can answer to their call.
When we have been wronged and we are tempted to seek revenge - May my faith in God be strong enough to take what others send - And then with a gentle rebuke, accept their request for my forgiveness - So that my desire for justice will not interfere with my Father's business.
If the same thing happens to a person, again and yet again. My duty is to help that person to change his way and know he is forgiven. By grace being demonstrated it is to be hoped that he will learn, Not to do the same thing over, and from wrong practices turn.
The acts of faith are not the key to what for God is done. The Object of our faith is what is important that victory be won. When our trust is in God Himself, though our faith is sometimes small - Assurance of service accepted by Him, is His answer to my call.
He directs and my response is to obey the directives that He gives. Everything at my disposal is really not mine but His. When I have done what is right and that still is what I am expected to do. I am an unprofitable servant at best, my duty is to Him be true.
"Father, even this very day I have been tested as to my duty and service. I believe we have done what is right. I am not sure we have done all we should. Please take these feeble efforts and use it for Thy glory and the blessing of Thy servants. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."