About Jesus - Steve (Stephen) Sweetman

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Our Heavenly Employment

 

One of our favourite topics of discussion as Christians is end time prophecy.  We've debated the various prophetic scenarios, indulged in endless speculations, and predicted the dates of what we have speculated.  In the midst of all our theorizing, we must never forget to occupy ourselves with the work required of us by our Lord.  In one sense of the word, you might view Jesus as being our heavenly employer.  With this in mind, Luke 19:13 in the King James Bible is relevant. 

 

"And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."

 

While being raised in Evangelical Christianity in the 1950's and 1960's, I recall the word "occupy" being an important word in connection with Biblical prophecy, and for good reason.  The KJV translates "occupy" in Luke 19:13 from the Greek word "pragmateuomai," which means, to do business, as in the exchange of goods and services for financial gain.  The meaning of this Greek word in its Luke 19:13 context tells me that Christians are employed in the business of the Lord until He returns on the Day of Accountability to call in all outstanding accounts. 

 

The context of James 5:7 and 8 addresses the time when Jesus will call in these outstanding debts from the wealthy who have used their wealth to feed their hedonistic lusts.  You can read Revelation 17 and 18 for further detail on this Day of Accountability.  James 5:7 and 8 read:             

 

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."

 

James said that the Lord's coming, or the Day of Accountability, is near.  The verb "is near" in the Greek text is a perfect verb.  In simple terms, a perfect Greek verb is normally an action that has taken place in the past with certain and specific present implications.  Obviously, Jesus' second coming has not already taken place.  I believe, then, this passage tells us that the future return of Jesus is as certain as if it has already happened.  That being said, the phrase "occupy till I come" tells me that we cannot be caught slacking off when our heavenly employer returns to balance His books.  Coffee break is now over.  Let's get back to the business of the Lord.      

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