Luke 17:10
When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do”.
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Some, if not most of us, has gotten used to having someone to work for us in the house. They may be relatives or a total stranger. To the Jews in the First Century Roman empire, slavery was just a fact of life. Many villages would have one or more wealthy persons who owned slaves.
In today’s gospel, Jesus just reemphasize the role of a slave or servant in the house. The slave had to prepare the meal and serve the master and his family before he could eat himself – all that after a hard day in the fields! You may say that is not fair. But fair or not, the slave was expected to work in the fields and prepare the food afterwards. That was his duty. The master wasn't there to serve the slave, but the slave is expected to serve the master.
However, in our relationship with the Lord, we always think that we are the master and God is our slave. Our prayers tend to be "give me" prayers – “Please help my business succeed”, “Heal my mother's cancer”, “Provide food to those experiencing a famine”, “Work in my boss's heart to give me a raise”. Is this any way to address God to whom we owe our allegiance, life and salvation. We are His servant, not the other way around!
Our prayer should be of servant’s prayer: “Father, what do you want me to do today?”, “How can I help my friend learn to be brave in face of sufferings?, “Give me strength and boldness to witness for you so others may know You.”
We are His servants, His slaves first. We are not to presume upon God and expect his thanks. Instead we are to serve him dutifully without any expectation of reward. And after we have learned that lesson of obedience, hear His voice as He call us his "friends."
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart. Help me to better understand my appropriate role as your slave, so when you graciously grant me your friendship I might truly appreciate your love. Amen +
Take delight in the LORD, and He will grant you your heart’s requests.
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