0259. The Day of Heavenly Rewards

The Day of Heavenly Rewards

"For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, whether he hath done good or bad" (2Co_5:10).

Let us bring before us, in this last moment, another King than Nebuchadnezzar. Let us see, in front of His throne, others than Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Let us imagine that our Lord has come. His throne is set in the Heavens. The saints have been raptured. Before the throne, they stand to receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad. The Lord has come and "His rewards are with Him, to give to every man as his work shall be."

Beloved, Daniel was approved before Nebuchadnezzar–shall we be approved before the Lord of Glory?

Daniel kept his body under, he brought it into subjection; as a result his face was fairer and his knowledge was ten times better than all the young men of the king’s realm.

No wonder Paul said, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I not as one that beateth the air: but I keep my body under and bring it into subjection: lest by any means, * * I should be disapproved." Daniel stood before Nebuchadnezzar; Paul knew he would stand before the Lord Jesus. Daniel was approved; Paul wanted to be approved. Daniel, had he failed, would have been disapproved, a castaway. Paul, should he fail, would be disapproved, a castaway. The whole matter is one of rewards, not of salvation.

"’Arise, young men, arise!’ thy Saviour’s loving voice

Now bids thee lift thine eyes and in His life rejoice;

He raised the sleeping dead, and made it grand to live:

For thee His Blood was shed, all help His arm will give.

Arise! for death is nigh, life’s day is all too brief;

Like light its moments fly, its gladness and its grief;

Arise, and take thy part in God’s tremendous fight;

To arms! stir up thy heart–go forth in Heaven’s great might!

Arise from dreams of fame, from sensual slumber rise;

Keep spotless Christ’s dear name, thy wealth seek in the skies;

The noblest works await thine aid with high reward,

And, crowned at Glory’s gate, thou’lt meet thy risen Lord.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR