And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Luke 19:13 KJV
When Jesus spoke these words, He wasn’t simply telling a story. He was issuing a divine charge that still speaks directly to believers today. This call to “occupy” is not about passivity or survival. Rather, it’s a command to live with purpose.
To occupy means to engage, invest, serve, and build until Christ returns. It calls for a heart fully committed to the purposes of the Kingdom and hands willing to work for its expansion.
In Luke 19, the master places ten pounds into the hands of ten servants. Rather than asking them to safeguard it, he expects them to do business with it. Taking initiative, creating impact, and producing fruit—these are the goals he sets before them.
Through this parable, Jesus shows that faithfulness in the Kingdom is never passive. It requires action, courage, and a willingness to take a step forward. While one servant hides his pound in fear, others multiply theirs through diligence. God blesses those who move, not those who sit still.
We see a similar message in Matthew 25:14-30, where another master entrusts his servants with talents. Those who increase what they’ve been given receive praise and reward. Meanwhile, the master condemned the servant who hid his talent.
Jesus makes it clear that stewardship isn’t about standing still. It’s about movement, responsibility, and purpose. Waiting for the Lord must involve meaningful work. It’s an active season of building, preparing, and trusting.
Throughout Scripture, we encounter people who chose movement over hesitation.
In 2 Kings 4, a widow faces financial ruin. All she owns is a small jar of oil. Yet when the prophet Elisha instructs her to borrow empty vessels and begin pouring, she obeys. That step of faith activates divine provision, and the oil flows until every vessel is full.
Acts 18 gives us another picture of faithful activity. Priscilla and Aquila, after meeting Paul, open their home and offer support for his ministry. Later, they discipled Apollos, helping him understand the gospel more accurately. Without waiting for recognition, they serve with quiet strength, and their obedience bears fruit for generations.
Are you giving yourself fully to the assignment God has given you? Have you allowed Kingdom purpose to define your days?
To “occupy” is not simply to believe—it is to act. It’s a daily surrender to the call of Christ, using whatever you have to serve, build, and bless. Through obedience, we find not only impact but also fulfilment.
God desires more than our admiration. He longs for hands that move, feet that follow, and hearts that serve with joy.
Living It Out
Jesus didn’t redeem us for inactivity. He filled us with His Spirit, equipped us with gifts, and sent us out to make a difference. Now is the time to respond—to serve, to lead, to love, and to labour. The return of Christ grows nearer each day, and He will look for those who stayed faithful and fruitful.
He won’t ask how carefully you preserved what He gave. He’ll ask how courageously you used it.
So stay ready. Stay active. Stay obedient. Occupy till He comes.