Pastor's Ponderings, February 9, 2015

Looking For Jesus’ Eternal Reward!

This is the season of the awards shows: the NAACP Image Awards, the Oscars, and the Grammys. Who was nominated, who was snubbed, who should win, and who should lose are being discussed on television, radio, and the print media.  How have people benefited from winning and which stars have never won those precious awards is very important in the entertainment world.

In the Bible, all Believers are invited to another awards presentation.  Jesus will judge all Believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ and all will have to give an account of what they have done in their lives  (Romans 14:10-12). We will not be competing for an Oscar statuette that has been called the most recognized trophy in the world.  We will receive what we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

The Bible says there will be a number of rewards and crowns for crowns for how well we served Christ, our victory over sin, how well we carried out the Great Commission of soul-winning, and other accomplishments for God.  But there is one crown that is the most important and that is the crown of life that goes to those who love God (James 1:12).

While we would all like to be honored by mankind for our accomplishments, it is much more important to prepare for Christ’s rewards that will endure long after we have forgotten about mankind’s temporary awards.  Let us spend time with Jesus learning about what He wants from us to get His rewards.

Romans 14:10-12
New International Version (NIV)

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10
New International Version (NIV)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

James 1:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.