0057. Rewards an Inspiration for Service

Rewards an Inspiration for Service

"And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together" (Joh_4:36).

If all that has been set forth concerning rewards, is true, we have certainly found a tremendous inspiration for fidelity in life and faithfulness in service.

No wonder that Paul said "I therefore so run * * so fight I", that I may obtain.

No wonder he said, "I press * * for the prize".

Surely, if there is to be a crown of life given to those who love Him, we will seek to endure temptation that we may obtain (Jam_1:12).

Surely, if there is a possibility of our losing the things which we have wrought, we will look to ourselves that we may receive a full reward (2Jn_1:8).

Surely, if our God is coming to judge every man’s work, without any respect of persons, we should pass the time of our sojourning here with fear (1Pe_1:17).

We read of Christ, "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb_12:2).

If Christ "endured the Cross" and despised the shame, inspired with the blessed joy of seeing the redeemed, set before Him: should not we also keep before us the joy of seeing those who may be won for Christ, through us? Thus, it was that Paul said in substance, concerning the Thessalonian Christians, "Ye shall be my joy and crown of rejoicing at the coming of the Lord".

Moses forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the King; Moses suffered affliction with the children of God, because he saw the "recompense of the reward" and "he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible" (Heb_11:26-27).

Should we not then also be inspired to serve and to sacrifice, with the same blessed "recompense of reward," inspiring us?

Let us so run that we may obtain.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR