"Occupy" Until He Comes (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14; 10:41-42)

CARE

Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; and Luke 8:14, talk about the "cares" of this life, as one of the "thorns", that choke or suffocate the word from our heart.

This word is only used six times in the NT, and four of those references speak of the "cares" of this life. In fact, as mentioned, three of the references refer directly to the parable of the seed and the different types of soils. (Matt.13:22;Mk.4:19;Lk.8:14;21:34).

The other two references are to the care of all the churches (2Cor.11:28), that Paul carried, and casting all our care upon Him. (1Pet.5:7).

The word group, however, is used numerous times throughout the NT, as well as in secular literature. Though traditionally, the thought associated with the words has gained a negative connotation, the exact meaning of the words has been somewhat obscured, in an attempt to properly translate Greek thought into our mind set.

The word used, in the passages cited, comes from a word meaning "divided", or "given to", as a portion; which in turn, comes from a word meaning "to get an allotment" or portion. The idea, then, is to be given something that is 'a person's share', or 'responsibility'.

OCCUPIED

Originally, the word was used in the sense of "occupation", or employment, that someone was involved in. The meaning of the word group is not just anxiety; or worry; or even cares, which can be conveyed in the meaning, but rather, what one is "occupied" with, that can produce worry; anxiety; or being full of care.

In fact, the passage in Luke 10:41-42, is a good illustration of the use of this word group. Traditionally, we would look at these verses, and translate, that Jesus said, "Martha, you are worried about a lot of things...but Mary is doing  the one thing that is important..."; however, the text is deeper in meaning. What Jesus actually said, was, "Martha, you have occupied yourself with many things, but Mary has occupied herself with the one thing that is truly necessary..."  [The words translated "careful", and "part", in the KJV, are the same Greek word group, used as a play on words in the passage.]

The word group has basically three aspects to it:

1) It almost always has a future orientation associated with it.

2) It can be used either positively, or negatively.

3) It generally does convey some sense of worry or anxiety, related to what our thoughts are "occupied" with.

POSITIVE

The positive sense is seen in that Paul is occupied with looking after the churches (2Cor.11:28), just as Timothy will naturally "care" for, or "occupy" himself with, the welfare of fellow Believers (Phil.2:20).

NEGATIVE

The NT is littered with examples of a negative connotation, most notably, the passages mentioned, where the word group is used as an example of one of the  "thorns", that choke the word from our hearts.

Understanding some of the background usage of the word, the "cares" of this life, are quite literally those  things that we have allowed our thoughts to be "occupied" with, that are our responsibilities; or concerns, of a future orientation. 

THE SOURCE

This is really an illustration of a lack of faith, or not allowing our thoughts to be "occupied" with what our Father has said [His word], and listening, rather, to the voices of this world concerning the bills we need to pay; groceries we need to buy; how we will provide for our livelihood; etc. Quite honestly, it is all about looking at our inability, rather than focusing on His ability, and what He has said. It is about what we can't do, rather than what He has already done. [i.e., provided for us].

He really is our source, but when we "occupy" our thoughts with what might happen, [future orientation], fear creeps in. When we "occupy" our thoughts with what He has said, faith gains the dominance, and though the necessities of life need to be taken care of, we see Him as our source, and rely on His guidance and direction. 

By listening to His voice [faith], we show up at the right time, for that job that wasn't even advertised yet, but the manager thinks we might just fit the bill, and it will save him time advertising the position; we live an exemplary Christian life, and we get chosen, because of our character, for the promotion that everyone else was striving for; someone steps up to the plate, and our child-care needs are met; we gain a scholarship that takes care of our college tuition; etc., and the list could go on.

God is our Father, and He takes care of us. When we "occupy" our thoughts with His word, faith will rise, and we can count on His guidance and direction, for everything the future holds, even to the most minute detail. To take liberty with a well-known scriptural exhortation, "occupy" until He comes.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.