Occupy Until I Come:The Kingdom Mandate for Entrepreneurs
By Pastor Enoch F. Phiri
The Forgotten Command
When Jesus said, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13, KJV), He wasn’t encouraging believers to hide in religious spaces until His return.
He was issuing a kingdom business mandate.
The Greek word for occupy is pragmateuomai literally means “to trade, to do business, to engage in productive enterprise.”
In modern language, Jesus was saying:
“Do business with what I’ve given you until I come back.”
This statement echoes God’s first words to humanity in Genesis 1:26–28, where He commanded mankind to “be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion.”
That is the blueprint of divine entrepreneurship.
From Eden to the Cross, God has always been in the business of raising builders, investors, creators, and leaders who shape the world for His glory.
Entrepreneurship Is a Kingdom Calling
Entrepreneurship is not merely a way to make money it’s a spiritual assignment.
Every idea, skill, and resource we possess is heaven’s capital entrusted to us.
When we build a company, manage a team, or create products that serve people, we are reflecting the image of our Creator a God of innovation, excellence, and multiplication.
Kingdom entrepreneurs are not owners they are stewards.
Everything they manage belongs to the King.
In the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11–27), the master commends the servants who multiplied what they were given. He says, “Because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.”
The reward for faithful business is not applause it’s greater influence.
Business as a Tool of Dominion
God’s original mandate to humanity was to “have dominion.” Dominion is not domination; it’s righteous stewardship and leadership.
For entrepreneurs, that means using business as an altar of influence a place where God’s values govern how we trade, lead, and build.
Kingdom dominion in business looks like this:
•Integrity over corruption because righteousness exalts a nation.
•Innovation over imitation because creativity reflects divine nature.
•Service over greed because leadership is about adding value, not extracting it.
•Generosity over selfishness because kingdom wealth circulates for kingdom impact.
When you conduct business according to God’s principles, your office becomes a ministry space, your boardroom an altar, and your contracts covenantal instruments of impact.
The Marketplace: God’s New Pulpit
For too long, many believers have separated spirituality from business church from commerce. But in the kingdom of God, there is no divide between the sacred and the secular.
The marketplace is the new pulpit.
Your company can preach louder than your sermon when it demonstrates integrity, excellence, and generosity.
Your employees are your first congregation.
Your clients and partners see the gospel not only in your words, but in your work ethic and your results.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Kingdom entrepreneurs are the modern Josephs, Daniels, and Esthers influencers in high places who use their business platforms to bring God’s order into broken systems.
Multiplication Is Worship
To “occupy” means to multiply.
God celebrates increase not greed, but growth with purpose. Every business deal, every innovation, every job created is an act of worship when it is done unto the Lord.
We are called to take what is raw and make it refined, take what is ordinary and make it excellent, take what is hidden and make it fruitful. That’s dominion in action.
That’s the kingdom mindset.
The King Is Coming Build with Eternity in Mind
Every entrepreneur will one day stand before the true Master and hear the question:
“What did you do with what I gave you?”
The faithful will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
That’s the ultimate audit report not from an earthly institution, but from the King Himself.
So, as we occupy in the marketplace, let us build with eternity in mind businesses that bless families, transform communities, and honor God.
Final Word
“Occupy until I come” is more than a survival command it’s a strategy for dominion.
It is heaven’s call to entrepreneurs to lead industries, set standards, and steward wealth with righteousness.
As long as you are breathing, there is still something to build, something to manage, something to multiply.
So, rise up, kingdom entrepreneur.
Your business is not just your livelihood it’s your ministry.
Your office is not just your workplace it’s your kingdom territory.
Occupy. Expand. Multiply. Influence.
Until He comes.