"So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ " — Luke 17:10
"I no longer call you servants…" — John 15:15
Unworthy does not mean worthless. Jesus did not die for junk. He died to redeem the diamonds that were covered in the mud of sin. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.
What was that joy? It wasn’t the Father — He already had communion with the Father. It wasn’t the angels, He had communion with the elect angels. I don’t think it was even mainly triumph over wickedness, though He did accomplish that through His death. The joy was us, His children — enjoying us for all eternity.
Are we unworthy? Yes. Do we deserve redemption? No.
But Jesus found us in our unworthiness and saw beyond what we can see. He looked into the far reaches of eternity and said, "I will give My Life for you." He looked ahead and saw joy, value and worth.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.