Thursday, November 29, 2007
Luke 19:17-18 "Well done, my good servant!" his master replied. "Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities. The second came and said, "Sir, your mina has earned five more." His master answered, "You take charge of five cities."
FAITHFUL USE OF YOUR MINAS WILL BE REWARDED
In an earlier devotion we heard how two disciples asked Jesus for the privilege of being His right hand men when He established His kingdom, a request that was out of line because of the selfish motivation that lay behind it. It's worth noting, however, that Jesus did not tell those disciples that there would be no rewards in His heavenly kingdom. In fact, on another occasion He made this promise: "At the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelves tribes of Israel." He told His disciples that their faithfulness, love and devoted service to Him would receive its reward of grace.
So it will be for all Jesus' disciples, including you! As the first servant in Jesus' parable was given charge of ten cities and the second was placed over five, the Lord promises rich rewards to all His faithful children in the life to come, for His mercy's sake: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Col.3:23-24). "No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mk.10:29-30). "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it . . . Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward . . . If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to a little child because he is My disciple, he will certainly not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:39 ff.). "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev.2:10b).
Isn't that wonderful to think about, dear Christian? There's laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award you on that Day, purely out of His grace. You have much to look forward to thanks to Jesus! So may He strengthen your faith and love and eagerness to serve Him with your minas. For the blessing of many souls, your own joy, and the glory of your Savior in whose presence you shall one day live.
