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THE EVANGELIST’S REWARD
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Revelation 19:6-9

 

“What is our hope, or joy,

or crown of rejoicing?”

 

THE EVANGELIST’S REWARD
 
In the concluding verses of 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul shared some thoughts that revealed his heart. He explained to his readers why he yearned to return to Thessalonica. His concern was basically for their spiritual welfare – for their salvation and sanctification. He earnestly wanted to be with them so that he could minister to them and thwart Satan’s efforts to undo the good work that he had started in their midst.
 
Paul shared that his hope and joy, the motivation behind his service, as he looked forward to the day of Christ’s return (1 Thess 2:19), was that the souls that he had a part in ministering to would be there standing alongside him. For him, that would be the grand fruition of all his labours, when he could be certain that all his spiritual children were eternally saved. It would be a glorious day of rejoicing (1 Thess 2:20) when the saints stand before our great Saviour, and we can cast our crowns before Him in eternal praise.
 
Is this what we are looking forward to as well? Is this what motivates us in our service to the Lord? What an exciting day it will be as we stand in the presence of Christ at His coming. Surely, we would not want to be alone on that day! We would want to look around us and see our friends and loved ones, all the fellow saints that we had a hand in witnessing to or played a part in helping them in their journey of sanctification. It would be a most blessed reunion as we meet the Lord in our glorified bodies and join in the celebration of the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is the eternal reward that we can all look forward to as we serve the Lord as witnesses for Him in the present.
 
As the third stanza in the hymn “O That Will Be Glory” reads:
Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
Will through the ages be glory for me.
 
THOUGHT: What is it in life that brings me the greatest joy?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou renew my zeal to witness for Thee, as I look forward to the glorious day of Christ’s return.

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