Receiving rewards?!
By Elizabeth Prata
All Christians will stand before Jesus to be judged. It’s a ceremony that is not drenched with condemnation, but of joy! (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5)
It’s OK to think about the rewards. I acknowledge that I could do nothing apart from Jesus. (John 15:5). I receive rewards only because the Holy Spirit was the One who enabled me to do the things I did in the name of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 3:6; Gal. 5:22-23, Luke 24:49).
I can’t wait to see if Jesus was pleased with anything I did in the Spirit’s power. I can’t wait to cast my crowns back to Him! (Revelation 4:4).
As much as I enjoy thinking about working for the name of Jesus and how the Bema Seat Judgment-Rewards ceremony will go, something struck me recently.
A beloved pastor and teacher in our area gave his testimony. He is a quadriplegic. He spoke of the grace of Jesus, His provision, His healing to the extent he was healed physically, and shared a kingdom perspective by sharing his love of the life that Jesus has given him.
There were several points at which I was struck. The entire testimony was compelling, but I am a sucker for a good story about a good marriage. He has one. He also has two adorable children. He and his wife married after he was paralyzed.
He said he can’t wait to see his beloved and diligent, kind, uncomplaining wife receive her rewards in heaven.
I often think about the rewards of the past martyrs, when they receive the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10). I often think about rejoicing when the faithful pastors of the past, like Spurgeon, Edwards, Calvin, and the men like them receive their reward. I think of my rewards. But how often do I think of my peers who are laboring now, and their rewards, and rejoice with them in Jesus’ name?
/crickets/
I’m so aghast! I should rejoice on behalf of others more! My elder’s testimony was tremendous and I’m now rejoicing that I can rejoice in thinking of my peers’ rewards. I now am envisioning my pastors’ rewards ceremony, and my friends’. The Bible says-
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling” (1 John 2:9–10).
I love my brethren, and I can’t wait to see them receive blessing from Jesus, and they, and I, send those blessings right back to the One who is glory itself.
Who are you envisioning receiving their reward from Jesus?
