Notes of Faith October 24, 2024
Only the Beginning
His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21
Awards and rewards are presented in all segments of society: sports, business, government, military, entertainment, and more. And it starts at an early age—what child doesn’t delight in receiving a gold star for a job well done? Almost all human awards have one thing in common: They focus on past behavior or achievements.
1 Cor 3:10-15
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
For all who inherit a place in Christ’s future Millennial Kingdom, a different kind of reward will be received—a reward that focuses on the future. Rewards for faithfulness in this life will result in the privilege of service for Christ in His Kingdom in the future. The Millennium is not going to be a thousand-year vacation. Rather, it will be the manifestation of God’s just rule and economy on earth as administered by the saints of God who inherit the Kingdom. In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the servants who were faithful over some things were then made rulers over many things (Matthew 25:14-30).
Our service for Christ in this life is not the end—it is only the beginning!
The highest honor in the church is not government but service.
John Calvin
My personal experience and my view of human life is that all mankind likes to receive awards and be rewarded. Looking at things that are eternal, our reward is given based on what we have done. This is not talking about salvation which no man can earn. That reward is based on God’s grace through the faith that He gives each one He chooses to believe in the work of His Son Jesus. It is the life we live after saving faith, serving God, serving others, that brings reward in heaven from God. It also brings more authority and responsibility in continuing to serve God and others! When you reflect on your life and it has been more selfish than serving God and others, make an immediate change…that is what the word repent means! Turn and serve the Lord your God and those that He has placed around you. Your heavenly reward awaits your arrival!
Pastor Dale