GOD OFFERS REWARDS

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets" (Luke 6:23).

Devotion 11 of 12

NOT GENERAL, BUT SPECIFIC

Some people think of rewards in general terms. To them, "just getting into heaven" is sufficient. The Word of God nowhere encourages such thinking. Rewards will be appropriate to the activity of the individual. A single statement of our Lord will suffice to confirm this. "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward" (Matt. 10:41). I encourage you to participate to the fullest measure possible in the labors of others. Bless them! Minister to them! Pray for them! It will bring great blessing to you in the day when blessing will be the necessary prelude to glory.

Another concise statement of the case is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6. "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Rewards will be in direct proportion to our personal involvement in the activities of Christ's Kingdom. No person who has given little of Himself to the Lord will receive much from God. Likewise, no individual giving themselves fully to the Lord will be given little.

LOSS OF REWARD, A THREAT

A word on the danger of losing reward is in order at this point. There is no need to elaborate extensively on the plain statements of our Lord. "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" (Mat. 5:46). "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 6:1 ). "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). Serious words, indeed!

Those who build upon the Foundation of Christ Jesus are admonished to "take heed" how and what they build upon that Foundation. Possible materials involved in this building process are "gold, silver, and precious stones" -- all durable and valuable. There are, however, other materials not so characterized. They are identified as "wood, hay, and stubble" -- things that will be consumed. Both the durable and consumable materials represent converts--those brought into purported identity with Christ.

The test of these materials, or converts, is not ultimately conducted in this world. Rather, it will take place when all men stand before the Lord to give an account for the things they have done. At that time, it is written, "If any man's work which he has built upon it [the Foundation] remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire." We are told that even the builder must pass the fire test. With unparalleled solemnity, it is written, we are "the temple of God," and that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. In view of this circumstance the Lord affirms, "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" (1 Cor. 3:10-17). This certainly provides a fresh perspective to the winning of souls--one that is rarely heard among those devoted to hearty recruitment.

AN ABUNDANT ENTRANCE

Contrary to the notions of many, we will not be saved in groups. Salvation is on an individual basis, not an organizational one. Because of this, believers are told of a substantial entrance into the everlasting Kingdom. Here is how it is stated by Peter. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things (verses 5-8), ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be MINISTERED UNTO YOU ABUNDANTLY into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 1:10-11, NASB). The NKJV reads, "an entrance shall be supplied to you abundantly." The RSV reads, "there will be richly provided for you an entrance," while the NIV reads, "you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom."

Part of this abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ involves rewards -- personal and specific. I realize there are those who speak of "just getting in" being sufficient, while others imagine a "cabin in the corner of glory land." But such views are never found in the Word of God. I urge you to engage in a fervent and sustained quest for a crown of glory, a rich entrance, and a great reward!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the matchless name of Jesus, deliver me from small and fleshly views of Your exceeding great reward!

-- TOMORROW: WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL BECOMES GOD'S ENEMY --