Today, Wednesday January 05
“And Their Works Follow Them” Revelation 14:12-13
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."
I have always been intrigued by the statement in this verse: “And their works follow them.” I know there is a contextual interpretation, which no doubt, is speaking of the works of the tribulation saints who are martyred for their faith. But I believe that there is a general application for us, which indicates, whatever works we do for Jesus now, will “follow” us to heaven.
Let’s say, I witness to someone and they respond to trust Christ and shortly after that I die and go to heaven. But the person that I won to Christ goes on to be a dedicated believer leading hundreds to Christ. Maybe he turns out to be a “Billy Graham”. In other words, everything I do for Jesus now will continue to be a “work” for Jesus even after I’m gone. The Lord is keeping an account of it all and at Judgment Seat, it is possible that it will be a part of my reward. How exciting is that!!!!!
So, what will we be judged for at this Judgment Seat and what will be our rewards? I will list several and give the Scriptural references that you can look up.
1. How we treat other believers. (Hebrews 6:10; Matthew 10:41-42)
2. How we exercise and employ our God-given abilities. (1 Cor. 12:4, 11; 1 Peter 4:10; Luke 19:11-26)
3. How we use our money. (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; 1 Tim. 6:17-19)
4. How we spend our time. (Ps. 90:2; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:17)
5. How much we suffer for Jesus. (Mt. 5:11-12; Mk. 10:29-30; Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 2:11-12)
6. How we run the particular race which God has chosen for us. (1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 2:16, 3:13-14; Heb. 12:1)
7. How effectively we control the old nature. (1 Cor. 9:25-27; 1 Tim. 2:15; 1 Thess. 2:4)
8. How many souls we witness to and win to Christ. (Prov. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; 1 Thess. 2:19-20)
9. How we react to temptation. (James 12:2-3; Rev. 2:10)
10. How much the doctrine of the rapture means to us. (2 Tim. 4:8)
11. How faithful we are to the Word of God and the flock of God. (Acts 20:26-28; 2 Tim. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:2-4)
The Bible mentions at least five rewards and they include:
1. The incorruptible crown – given to those who master the old nature. (1 Cor. 9:25)
2. The crown of rejoicing – given to soul-winners. (Pro. 11:30; Dan. 12:3; 1 Thess. 2:19-20)
3. The crown of life – given to those who successfully endure temptation. (James 1,2-3; Rev. 2:10)
4. The crown of righteousness – given to those who especially love the doctrine of the rapture. (2 Tim. 4:8)
5. The crown of glory – given to faithful preachers and teachers. (Acts 20:26-28; 2 Tim. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 5:2-4)
These “crowns” could possibly be the talents, abilities and the authority that will be given to us to rule and reign with Christ in His Millennium Kingdom, and by which we will glorify and honor Him!
Today, as you study these passages, it is my prayer that the Lord will bless and motivate you to love and serve Him till He comes or He takes us home!
God bless!