Occupy

“A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:12-13

The word “occupy” is a military term.  It evokes synonyms of capture, conquer, invade, obtain, seize, take hold of , possess, keep.  It also connotes the idea of busy, employ, engage, engross, monopolize, use.  It DOES NOT mean tarry, lodge, sojourn, daily, loiter, delay, rest, stall, or wait.

Jesus told this parable and used the word “occupy” to exhort His disciples to spread the Gospel throughout the world.  He wants you to be aggressive and a bit violent in your efforts to overcome the powers of spiritual darkness.

It IS possible to fulfill the Great Commission written in Mark 16:15.  Matthew 24:14 says:  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” To establish the return of Christ, this Commission MUST be fulfilled.  However, as a farmer cannot harvest his fields from his easy chair, so Christians cannot stay in their pews (the training ground) while 2-1/2 billion have not heard about Jesus yet.

Pray: “Father, Your Word is clear and leaves no room for slothfulness in the work left to be done here.  Give me the boldness and courage to ‘occupy,’ while there is yet time, before the night comes.*  I make this request in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

*John 9:4 (praphrased)