March 22: REWARD

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

Our loving Creator and Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17) can hardly wait to gather His people. Yet He will allow time for everyone who wills to follow Him to solidify their choice. His timing will be perfect, even though some of us accuse Him of tarrying (Habakkuk 2:3).

Prior to Christ’s return, the case of every person who has ever lived will have been reviewed to determine who is saved and who is lost: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath (Romans 2:7-8). God’s grace and power are readily available to all who agree with His word and desire to obey it (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Today’s verse, along with yesterday’s, clearly points to a pre-advent judgment. In the Old Testament, the Blowing of Trumpets symbolizes this pre-advent judgment period immediately followed by the Day of Atonement which points to Christ’s second coming. These feasts were given as preparation, so that God’s people would understand the work of Christ (see Leviticus 23:24-29).

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

The Bible clearly teaches that intense persecution of God’s faithful ones will arise in the last days. In many parts of the world, it has already come. And, even in the western world, those who honor God’s word over certain traditions are viewed with disdain. To these, Jesus says, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12a).

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:27

Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’” And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. Isaiah 62:11-12

For further study: Genesis 15:1; Isaiah 40:10; Mark 7:13; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10-11; James 2:26; 1 Peter 3:13-17; Revelation 20:12