The Work the Master Left (Watch and Pray)

“For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch”  – Mark 13:34

Oftentimes the very thought of working in God, obeying God’s calling on our life to actively serve Him, can seem daunting. We are filled with doubt of if this job really belongs to us, if we even have a role to serve in and if we can accomplish the task.  Like a maze, we sometimes don’t know where to start, if we should or which route will lead us to success. But Mark 13:34 tells us that Jesus has already given us ‘every [person]’  our task and the ‘authority’ to do it.

Authority

First things first, Authority. You have been given authority from Almighty Himself. Authority means power, but not just any power; it is ‘the moral or legal right or ability to control’. This is the ultimate legitimate power given by God to carry out His work. In the UK, we have something called a High Sheriff; this individual represents the Crown’s Authority in their city. They are tasked with maintaining law and order. The High Sheriff’s coat of arms (badge) displays two crossed-over swords: a sharp-edged sword of justice and a blunt sword of mercy. Both are to be wielded equally.

Similarly, as Christians we too carry our own coat of arms ‘The Blood of Jesus’. The Blood that marks us as chosen, anointed, saved, redeemed and equipped to serve the Lord. So, it is important to remember this role, this work was not lightly given or assigned to you at random, but it is given to His ‘Servants’ all who serve and follow God.

Secondly, not only have you been given power but you have also been given the exact task to apply your skills to. We are not given authority for no reason, we have been given these gifts, tools and resources to help build God’s Kingdom. Now, what that looks like may differ for each of us, for some it may look like organisation creating plans and administrating tasks, for others it’s youth work and for some it’s being a visionary thinker or helper, the list goes on. Whatever, your role know that God has created you for this, you have been hand-picked to perform this special task.

Inspection

• Think about your life – Is there a vision or task God has called you to achieve?
• Do you feel insecure ‘imposter syndrome’ when you think about what you have been called to do?
• What is the one thing today, that is stopping you from completing your work?

God given authority, also means that no one can disrupt or stop our work. We have been commissioned by God to serve and build His Kingdom, to be a Kingdom Worker. As this role has come from The Most High, the big boss himself, no one or thing can stop us from completing it. If God has called you to it, He is faithful to complete it. Jesus himself said ‘It is Finished’. That’s not to say, there won’t be stumbling blocks along the way or we may take the wrong turn at times. But the end outcome has already been pre-determined. Victory.

Every Believer has a calling, an area they are meant to fill, an assignment they are meant to complete. Think of it like school, the teacher assigns homework and expect when they see you next, that the work has been completed and ready to be graded. Unlike Homework, we do not know when our deadline is, so we are called to get to work now and continue on in faith. Jesus is our Teacher, the greatest Teacher and example for how we are to live. Our lives and daily working are to give Him praise.

In society, having a job can be a symbol of status, wealth or pride. When you work for Christ, there is no gaining of status as we are all made equal by Him. We are all important and each one of our tasks no matter how small it may seem makes an impact. This means we must put our faith and trust in the command we have been given and get to work.

Practical Steps

• If you are uncertain of your calling, pray, build a stronger relationship with God that you may discern his voice.
• Have a business meeting with God; list out all your questions you have concerning your task, humbly ask God to help bring clarity and the next steps. God wants us to succeed trust in His process.
• Serve anywhere – for some people active serving in any area can help build your confidence, position you in new places and prepares you for the moment when your

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you God that you are great, Holy and the True authority! That only you Lord can have the final say over our lives, our calling and our situation.

Today, Lord, I pray that you will take complete control over my life, my future and how I spend my time. May you embolden me, Lord, to do your work and to know that I rightfully belong to your Kingdom. Help me to trust in your plan, in your word and in you, God. Help me Lord to be in your will and to be obedient to you. Thank you Lord, for always wanting the best for me and for guiding me through every situation.

Amen.