Paul asks in 1 Cor 9:7, “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk?”
This expectation of reward is also weaved throughout 2 Tim 2:3–6 – the soldier is expecting his commanding officer’s praise, the athlete is expecting a winner’s crown, and the farmer is expecting to receive the first share of his crop.
And so, while the previous devotions sound like there is a huge demand on us, the reality is that we can expect a great reward when Jesus returns. Luke 19:11–27 is perhaps the most indicative parable of what awaits us as we faithfully follow Christ and carry out our duties. Take time to read this parable slowly.
First, notice those who were faithful with minas (approximately three months’ wages) were eventually given cities to rule over. Are cities of not far greater worth than minas? This means we who are faithful with what God has assigned us here in this life should expect far greater rewards in the life to come. Second, the one who has the most minas received even that last mina the wicked servant squandered. This means we are who most faithful in this life should expect the most rewards in the life to come.
Take time today to simply sit and enjoy God’s approval and pleasure as a faithful servant. Take time to meditate on the image of Jesus returning as glorious Bridegroom for His pure and blameless bride.
Questions for Reflection:
When I come face to face with the Lord Jesus on that day, will He welcome me into His Kingdom with a “Well done, you good and faithful servant!”? Ask God to search your heart and show which areas of your life are lacking in faithfulness to Him and His Word.