Saturday September 02nd, 2023
« “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness) »
28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.
29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,
30will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
Understand
God’s faithfulness extends even to His promise to reward every man and woman according to their works.
This means that the fulfilment of Jesus’ second coming will be accompanied by the award of certain rewards.
The implication of this is that those lazy believers who are not serious about the work of the Kingdom of God will live, though in heaven, to regret their idle life of ‘holiness’.
The apostle wrote that there will be great rewards for the ministers of the gospel who take care of the flock of God.
« And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor »
1 Peter 5:4 NLT
In our Bible text of today, we read about the positive response of Jesus Christ to Peter’s enquiry about what would become of their labor of following Him.
The Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) assures all His followers of great rewards and above all, eternal life.
This is the crux of the Christian faith – eternal life.
Beloved, is eternal life your motive for following Jesus Christ?
Don’t lose this eternal promise.
The Bible further promises that believers in Christ shall have eternal life (John 3:16-18).
However, there are categories of rewards after this life.
Some may not even get anything.
This is implied in the description of the work that we do while still in this body.
Paul Apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 GNT
« 14 If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. 15 But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire »
Beloved, remember that God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love (Hebrews 6:10). We must not be weary (not give up) in well-doing because our reward is sure (Galatians 6:9).
Prayer point: Father, please keep me believing and serving so that no one else will take my reward in Your Kingdom, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
Freely you received, freely you must give (Math 10:8) , kindly share this devotion, and the Lord will bless you for it .
Spread the love of Christ by clicking on the ♥
