“Occupy till I come.” — Luke 19:13

Tom loved fishing. One Saturday, he helped a stranger land a large fish. They became friends. “I’m Phil,” the stranger said. “Thanks for the help!” They fished together regularly. Phil showed no interest in spiritual things – until one day Tom said, “Did you know Jesus spent a lot of time with fishermen?” Phil looked surprised. “Really? Tell me more!”

Bible studies followed. Phil eagerly learned about Jesus and the fishermen disciples. Soon he was baptized, with Tom watching joyfully from the shore.

But months later, Phil became seriously ill and passed away suddenly. At the funeral, the church was packed with Phil’s fishermen friends who had never been to church before. Tom stood to speak, his voice breaking. “Phil’s time with us was short. But he found eternal life. I’m grateful God used me to help him find Jesus.”

After the service, several fishermen approached Tom. “We saw the change in Phil. We want to know about Jesus too.” Tom realized something powerful: He couldn’t know when Jesus would return. But he knew what Jesus wanted him to do while waiting – OCCUPY! Stay busy doing God’s work!

He remembered Jesus’ parable about the nobleman who told his servants, “Do business with this until I return.” The servants didn’t know when their master would come back, but they knew to keep working!

He thought about Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem. The Bible says “next to them” worked this person, and “next to them” worked that person – repeated 30 times! Everyone did their part. Nobody just stood around waiting – they OCCUPIED!

Tom prayed through his tears: “I can’t control when Jesus comes. But I can control what I do while waiting. Help me keep occupying – keep sharing – until You come!”

Did You Know?  In 1975, a man named William was baptized, convinced Jesus would return very soon – maybe even that year! But it’s been 50 years since then. Does that mean he was wrong? No! It means God gave 50 more years for people to come to Jesus – including YOU! We don’t know if Jesus will come in 5, 10, or 30 years. But we DO know what to do while waiting – OCCUPY! Stay busy sharing Jesus!

🔥 Personal Reflection:

  • What “talents” has God given you to use for Him while waiting for Jesus?
  • Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus – at work, school, or during hobbies?
  • Are you just “waiting” for Jesus, or are you “occupying” by staying busy in God’s work?

🙏 Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for times I’ve just waited instead of working. You told us to “occupy” until You come – to stay busy doing Your work. Help me see opportunities every day to share Your love. Give me courage to speak about You like Tom did with Phil. I don’t know when You’re coming, but I know what You want me doing while I wait – sharing Your good news with others! In Your name, Amen.