June 29, 2026 · David Farmer
Duty
““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 recline 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.’””
Luke 17:7-10 →
## The Constant Command
I often feel like what I write to you about Scripture is a constant demand. But here we have Jesus teaching us about our place in the Kingdom, and lo and behold, we are servants under constant command. So if we can cram our schedules full of what we want to do, why can’t we cram it full of what God wants us to do? There can come a point where we are repeatedly asked to take on more and more at church, and we become overwhelmed. If you’re like this, you’re one of the 10% who does 90% of the work. You’ll have to learn when to say no when you can’t carry anymore, but I would never encourage you to carry nothing. We inquire, “What about so-and-so?” “Oh he used to be very involved in lots of different ministry.” “What happened to him? He does nothing now.” “I don’t know. I think someone made him mad.” Then our heads shake and wag. Maybe he’s tired and the load felt hopeless. He may have gotten mad at those who let him carry it all alone. We’re lucky that one even still comes to church.
## The Curious Conundrum
Yes, God asks a lot of us when we become His. He wants us to serve at church instead sitting on the pew. Serve on the street instead of walking by needs. Serve at work instead of only doing enough for a paycheck. So when do we get to rest?! I’m not looking to get off on a Sabbath rabbit trail, but God did make provision for this problem.
But to me the funny conundrum on this is when I realize the commands and demands of God on our lives is to act out His heart into society. [When Jesus was tired from a day of teaching and healing, and then went to rest, and someone knocked on the door...He got back up and went back to work again.] This lasts our whole lives through once we come to know Him. There isn’t exactly a retirement concept in the Bible. It is more of a “work yourself to death” retirement plan. But don’t worry, He will supply you energy and will to go on when you tire out.
## Self-Check
Surely we’ll get to rest when we die and go to heaven. Here’s the conundrum; you won’t need rest in heaven. You won’t tire out! Jesus’ Answer? There’s God’s Work to do in the field and in the house. When you have done all that you were commanded, say this, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”
## Complete