OCCUPY TILL I COME

OCCUPY TILL I COME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 19:11-27

Key Verse: “And he said unto them, Occupy till I come.” — Luke 19:13

Supporting Texts: Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Colossians 3:23-24, Luke 16:10, Proverbs 21:5

Description: Faithfulness in stewardship and responsibility ensures rewards in God’s kingdom.

INTRODUCTION

God entrusts every believer with resources, talents, and opportunities, expecting faithful management until His return. How we handle what has been given determines our fruitfulness, influence, and eternal reward. This principle is captured in Luke 19:11-27, where Jesus tells a parable about a nobleman and his servants, instructing them to “Occupy till I come.”

The parable emphasises accountability, diligence, and the wise use of resources. It is a call for believers to remain active and productive, regardless of circumstances, while anticipating the master’s return. Failure to act responsibly leads to loss, while faithfulness brings honour and reward.

This teaching challenges believers to evaluate how they are investing their time, talent, and treasures in the kingdom of God. Occupation is not mere busyness but purposeful engagement in what God has assigned to you.

1. FAITHFULNESS WITH LITTLE BRINGS INCREASE

God honours diligence and responsibility, even in small things.

a) Accountability Matters (Luke 19:16)
The servant who invested ten pounds gained ten more; faithfulness, however small, attracts multiplication.

b) Diligence Produces Results (Matthew 25:21)
The master commended his servant, showing that consistent effort yields reward.

c) Using Gifts Wisely (1 Peter 4:10)
Every believer has gifts to steward for God’s glory and benefit of others.

d) Small Beginnings Can Lead to Great Impact (Zechariah 4:10)
God honours faithfulness in what seems insignificant, bringing significant outcomes.

Biblical Example: The boy with five loaves and two fishes who shared them with Jesus saw a miraculous multiplication to feed thousands (John 6:9-13).

2. IGNORANCE OR LAZINESS LEADS TO LOSS

Neglecting divine assignments has consequences.

a) Fear Hinders Progress (Luke 19:20)
The servant who hid his pound feared the master, showing that fear prevents fruitful engagement.

b) Neglect Brings Rebuke (Luke 19:21-22)
Laziness or inaction is accountable; the servant received condemnation for not utilising what was given.

c) Avoiding Responsibility (Ecclesiastes 11:4)
Waiting for perfect conditions leads to wasted opportunities.

d) Loss of Reward (Revelation 22:12)
Unfaithfulness diminishes kingdom rewards and honour.

Biblical Example: The servant in the parable of the talents who buried his talent instead of investing it lost both the talent and the approval of his master (Matthew 25:24-30).

3. STEWARDSHIP IS A CALL TO KINGDOM IMPACT

God’s resources are given for kingdom expansion, not personal indulgence.

a) Purposeful Use of Resources (Luke 19:13)
“Occupy till I come” demonstrates that every assignment is for kingdom influence.

b) Faithfulness Leads to Authority (Luke 19:17)
The faithful servant was set over cities, showing promotion comes through stewardship.

c) Time and Talents Are Sacred Trusts (Colossians 3:23-24)
Labouring for the Lord ensures eternal significance.

d) Investment in God’s Work Brings Eternal Fruit (1 Corinthians 3:12-14)
How you invest in God’s kingdom today determines your eternal reward.

Biblical Example: Joseph managed Pharaoh’s resources faithfully and strategically during seven years of plenty, which preserved Egypt and the surrounding nations during the famine (Genesis 41:46-57).

4. THE MASTER RETURNS AND REWARDS FAITHFULNESS

God honours those who remain diligent and obedient until His coming.

a) Divine Evaluation (Luke 19:15–19)
The master returned to assess the servants, rewarding diligence and multiplying what was faithfully used.

b) Eternal Reward (1 Corinthians 4:5)
God will bring every hidden deed to light, both reward and accountability.

c) Faithfulness Brings Honour (Luke 19:17)
The faithful are entrusted with greater responsibility and influence.

d) Motivation for Perseverance (Matthew 24:46-47)
Believers are encouraged to remain active and faithful, knowing reward is certain.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s faithfulness in Babylon earned him favour and influence under multiple kings, demonstrating the reward of steadfast diligence (Daniel 6:1-3).

CONCLUSION

“Occupy till I come” is a divine mandate to live faithfully and diligently with what God has entrusted to you. Faithfulness, persistence, and wise stewardship not only bring earthly fruit but secure eternal reward. Avoid fear, laziness, or procrastination, for these rob you of God’s blessings and honour.

Take up your assignments with diligence and purpose today. Trust God to reward your faithfulness, knowing that every effort, talent, and resource invested in His kingdom multiplies for His glory and your eternal inheritance.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to be faithful with everything You have entrusted to me in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove fear and hesitation that hinders my stewardship in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, guide me to make wise use of all my resources in Jesus name.

4. Father, strengthen my diligence and perseverance in all assignments in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to avoid laziness and procrastination in Jesus name.

6. Father, let my faithfulness be rewarded both in this life and in eternity in Jesus name.

7. Lord, give me wisdom to multiply the talents and gifts You have given me in Jesus name.

8. Father, enable me to live purposefully for the expansion of Your kingdom in Jesus name.

9. Lord, position me for promotion and greater responsibility through faithfulness in Jesus name.

10. Father, let me occupy and remain fruitful until the return of Jesus in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall be faithful with every gift, talent, and resource entrusted to you.

2. You shall multiply what God has given you beyond your expectations.

3. Every area of laziness and fear in your life shall be replaced with diligence and boldness.

4. You shall receive honour and reward for your faithfulness.

5. Your life shall be a testimony of kingdom impact and stewardship.

6. You shall be entrusted with greater assignments and responsibility.

7. God shall multiply your efforts for His glory.

8. You shall remain productive and fruitful until the return of the Lord.

9. Every resource in your hands shall bring divine multiplication.

10. Your faithfulness shall secure your eternal reward and honour.