0052. The Fact of Rewards Set Forth
The Fact of Rewards Set Forth
"Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Rev_22:12).
The idea, held by so many, that in Heaven all believers will be alike, possess the same honor, wear the same crowns, and receive the same "well done," is altogether unscriptural.
We want, first of all, to establish the fact that rewards are to be given.
Luk_6:23–"Your reward is great in Heaven".
Joh_4:36–"He that reapeth receiveth wages".
Eph_6:8–"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord".
Col_3:24–"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ".
Rev_22:12–"My reward is with Me".
The above Scriptures will suffice to establish the fact of rewards. Our Lord is not unfaithful, that He should forget our labor of love.
Illustration: A young man lay dying. His mother sat devotedly at his side. She had marked from time to time, a shadow passing over the face of her son. Finally she said, "My dear boy, are you not satisfied that you are saved, upon the merits of Jesus Christ?" The answer was reassuring. "Yes, mother, I know I am saved. Six months ago I received the Lord Jesus and my sins were washed away." After awhile, the same cloud returned and the mother once more said, "My boy, if you know you are saved, why does that look of deep concern come upon your countenance?" The boy replied, "Mother, I have never done anything for Him; and I have just been thinking that I must meet the One who died for me, without any sheaves to lay at His feet."
The story we have just told, as near as we can remember it, was related to C. C. Luther, and Geo. C. Stebbins wrote the music to the beautiful song, "Must I Go and Empty Handed?" upon the dying statement of this dear young man.
"Must I go–and empty handed?
Thus my dear Redeemer meet
Not one day of service give Him,
Lay no trophy at His feet?
Not at death I shrink or falter,
For my Saviour saves me now;
But to meet Him empty-handed,
Thought of that now clouds my brow."
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR