JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN!!
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, NKJV)
Devotion #14 of 15

DO NOT BE BEGUILED OF YOUR REWARD!
     Believers are admonished to not allow anyone to deprive them of their reward. "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind" (Col 2:18). The thought of such an admonition is absurd if rewards are unimportant. You must not permit anyone or any teaching to diminish the significance of receiving reward from the Lord. Jesus did not ask you to labor for nothing because He did not do so! He "endured the cross, despising the shame" in prospect of the "joy set before
Him" (Heb 12:1-2). Moses, faithful servant of God, contemplated rewards. "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of
Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Heb 11:24-26).

Remember the reward!
     In practical instruction to the Colossians, Paul admonished them to do whatever they did "as to the Lord." He was to be their dominating  Consideration--the reason for everything they did. In his exhortation, Paul does not make an appeal to law, i.e., "you ought to do this." Rather, he  Reminded them of the reward they would receive from Jesus Himself. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve
the Lord Christ" (Col 3:23-24).

Keep confident!
     Believers are cautioned not to lose confidence, casting it away in preference for the things of this world. Their faith may not appear to be accruing much for them here, but the day of reward is coming. Giving yourself confidently to Christ may not appear to have advantages here and now. But that is not a proper assessment, and we must not allow it to have place in our thinking. Listen to the Spirit, and His emphasis on reward. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (Heb 10:35).

When He comes . . . REWARD!
     When is the time of reward? It is at the appearing of Christ. He is bringing His reward with Him. Then all that your faith has grasped, you will obtain in fulness. The peaceful habitations you have longed for will be given to you. You will be duly compensated for every inconvenience and sacrifice you bore for
Him. A "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim 4:8), a "new name" (Rev 2:17; 3:12), and an unfading inheritance (1 Pet 1:4) will be received. What of becoming a "ruler over many things" Matt 25:21), or inheriting "all things" (Rev 21:7). Have you thought about being given "power over the nations" (Rev 2:26) and judging "the world" and "angels" (1 Cor 6:2-3). These are large considerations, and they are true.

     You do well to think of the Lord's return in relation to your reward. Then will be brought to pass the saying, "your labor is not vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:58). 

PRAYER POINT: Father, I long for your "Well done!" I have read of the reward you have promised, and I want to obtain it. I thank you that you have not merely demanded my  allegiance, but have provided strong incentives in your exceeding great and precious promises. In Jesus name, grant me grace to obtain an "exceeding great reward."

-- TOMORROW: EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS --