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In a world where Christians often feel like they're losing ground, there's a powerful call to action that Jesus himself gave his followers. It's not about waiting passively for heaven, but actively taking back what the enemy has stolen. This message comes from Jesus' parable in Luke 19:11-27, where he tells the story of a nobleman who entrusted his servants with resources and commanded them to "occupy till I come."
The word "occupy" means to engage attention or energy, to fill space or time, and to take possession of something. In military terms, it's about strategic advancement and holding territory. Spiritually, this means Christians are called to actively push back against Satan's influence in every area of life.
Too many Christians have adopted a false theology that says we should just live quietly and wait for death to take us to heaven. But Jesus didn't model this kind of passive faith. He healed people, cast out demons, and actively confronted the spiritual forces of darkness. The kingdom of God is intrusive, not imaginary. It's irreplaceable, not irrelevant.
Jesus shared this parable because the people were expecting God's kingdom to appear immediately in a political sense. They wanted a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom right away. Instead, Jesus was teaching them about a different kind of occupation - one that starts in hearts and spreads outward.
In the parable, a nobleman travels to a far country to receive a kingdom and return. This represents Jesus himself, who came from heaven, lived on earth, died and rose again, and will return with all authority. Before leaving, he gave his servants resources (minas) and commanded them to "do business" or "occupy" until his return.
Just as the nobleman gave his servants valuable resources, God has given every Christian the Holy Spirit - something far more valuable than any earthly treasure. You're not left empty-handed to fight spiritual battles. You have divine power residing within you.
The master didn't tell his servants to guard what he gave them or hide it safely. He expected multiplication through active engagement. When he returned, he rewarded those who had gained through trading, giving them authority over cities proportional to their faithfulness.
One servant hid his mina in a handkerchief out of fear. He made excuses, then blamed the master for being harsh. This represents Christians who receive God's blessings but fail to actively use them for kingdom purposes.
God doesn't reward good intentions or passive preservation. He rewards active obedience and multiplication. The servant who hid his mina didn't lose the money, but he was still judged for his inactivity.
Occupying for God means making Jesus the center of everything you do. This isn't about adding church activities to your schedule - it's about allowing Christ to transform every area of your life.
Areas That Need Occupation
- Your home : Is Christ evident in how you treat your family?
- Your workplace : Do your coworkers see Jesus in your character?
- Your struggles : Are you actively fighting against sin and addiction?
- Your relationships : Are you pursuing reconciliation and forgiveness?
- Your resources : Are you stewarding your money, time, and talents for God's kingdom?
Scripture promises that prosperity follows faithfulness. This doesn't mean a prosperity gospel that focuses only on material wealth, but the abundant life Jesus promised - freedom from bondage, restored relationships, and spiritual authority.
In the parable, the faithful servants received authority over cities. When you're faithful in small things, God entrusts you with greater responsibilities and influence. This is how the kingdom expands - through faithful people who occupy their spheres of influence.
Individual occupation is crucial, but God also calls the church collectively to take territory. This means actively reaching communities, starting new ministries, and expanding influence rather than just maintaining what already exists.
Many churches operate in maintenance mode - just trying to keep the doors open and the same people happy. But Jesus' command to occupy requires growth, expansion, and strategic advancement into new territory.
The servant who hid his mina was motivated by fear. He was afraid of failing, afraid of the master's reaction, afraid of taking risks. But fear is the enemy of occupation.
When confronted, the fearful servant moved from making excuses to blaming the master. This pattern is common when people refuse to take responsibility for their spiritual inactivity. Don't let fear turn into blame toward God.
Jesus said to occupy "till I come." This implies urgency. We don't have unlimited time to waste. Every day that passes without active engagement is a day the enemy continues to hold territory that should belong to God's kingdom.
You don't get permission to wait for ideal conditions before you start occupying. Perfect conditions never come. Start where you are with what you have, and God will multiply your faithfulness.
This week, identify one specific area of your life where you've been passive instead of actively pursuing God's kingdom. Maybe it's a relationship that needs healing, a habit that needs breaking, or a calling you've been avoiding out of fear.
Stop hiding what God has given you in the "handkerchief" of comfort and safety. Take active steps to multiply His investment in your life. Remember, prosperity follows faithfulness, and faithfulness produces authority.
- Where in my life am I maintaining instead of multiplying?
- What fears are keeping me from taking spiritual territory?
- How can I make Jesus more central to my daily decisions and relationships?
- What specific action will I take this week to occupy new ground for God's kingdom?
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