Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Luke 17:10
“So, you also, when you have done everything that you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.”
When the disciples were told that they were expected to forgive those who had wronged them, and to forgive multiple times if necessary; they asked for more faith, lest they could not do it. Jesus taught them that they did not need more faith, but to just use the little faith that they had.
If we cannot forgive because it is not in our heart to do so, then forgive because the Master told us to; it is our duty even if it is not our desire. If we then should have even the smallest urge to tell the Lord what we have done, what good servants we are, remember today’s verse.
John Wesley said, “Happy is he who judges himself an unprofitable servant: miserable is he whom God pronounces such.”
Serving is our duty, there is no such thing as doing more than your duty. The many good things that we receive on this earth are not the rewards of our being a good servant, but the grace of our good God. We make no claims on God. If we receive anything it is grace, and nothing earned.
There is a “Well done good and faithful servant” to be spoken; but let it come from the Lord’s lips, and not ours. Remember that the man who bragged on himself to God went home puffed up by his own ego, but not lifted. Happy is the one who can still pray, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.” (See Luke 18:9-14)
“God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to
He said, “Freely, freely you have received
Freely, freely give”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
Link to Youtube – Freely, Freely You Have Received
