The english spelling is en
It is pronounced en
Definition : A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively)
This word is used in the following scripture,
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. Luke 19:17
As I studied this word in the context of this passage, I came to realize that it was the present state of the man as a trustworthy servant prior to his Master's return that made him valuable to his master. The reason that this became evident to me was because of the Greek word that follows this. That is the word doulos.
Let's take a look at the literal translation of this word and see how it might apply to our lives today.
Greek - δοῦλος
The english spelling is doulos
It is pronounced doo'-los
Definition: a slave (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bond (-man), servant.
And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because you have been faithful in your state or position as my servant in subjection without authority (submissive and humble), I now give you the privilege of controlling ten cities. (exalted and lifted up)
When I thought about the pound of money left with the servants, I couldn't help but wonder how this may apply to someone today who has basically nothing to invest or use for God from a material standpoint. What came to my mind was that each of us, no matter how much or little we own, all have been given the body that contains our spirit as long as we are alive. So I asked myself,"What am I doing with my body to profit my Master?"
Are we not told that we will stand before our God one day in chapter 25 of Matthew? If so, then it makes sense that what we are doing now on earth makes the difference in the judgement on that day. It wouldn't be right for a person to be mistreated at this time of examination and judgement just because he had no money or material possessions to somehow invest and make gains. But what each one of us has received from our Master Jehovah, when He left us, is our body. We all can create profit for our Lord with the deeds of our bodies, it's true. But His Spirit must be living in us before we can know how to please Him.
If not, we may attempt to do the right thing, but we will be like the servant that wrapped his coin in a cloth and carried it around, but never acomplished a thing of any worth. God shows His servant who is trustworthy and dedicated to Him how to make gains for the kingdom of God. Those are the profits that Jesus spoke of in this passage when we take in consideration the Greek words today (en doulos), in position of subjection. Are you waiting until life gets better? You may, as I know I have, put off using my time, my hands, my feet and my voice to bring an increase in the kingdom of God. What else would God really want more from us than the spreading of His Word? Everything else on this earth will parish and fade away one day. It's the faithful servant (bondslave to God) that will be rewarded with much more authority in the perfect Kingdom that awaits all who repent and profess to believe in Jesus, God's Son who rose from the grave to go and prepare a kingdom.
No man can serve two masters....Matthew 6:24
Faithful, en doulos, to our master first and all the other things will follow as God chooses.
Let's pray,"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." Shalom!
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