Weekly Devotionals – 29 August 2022

Lighthouse Evangelism has placed an emphasis on the Cell Ministry throughout the month of August. We are grateful for the many new members, and even new cell hosts who have chosen to be a part of this growing community. Incorporating new members to join our cells is a good thing, and may we embrace them with open hands and hearts. However, it will be made fruitful in the long-term only if we consider how we can intentionally spur one another on towards love and good deeds, even as the Day of the Lord’s return approaches (Hebrews 10:25).

May this effort in developing the Cell Community result in a greater reverence towards Jesus, a deeper hunger to live righteously before God, and a greater love for our fellow believers in Christ. We can do so by keeping in mind that the Lord will reward, and the Lord will repay for all we do in this life.  

The Lord will Reward

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

In a school examination, oftentimes a teacher is appointed as an invigilator to make sure there is no cheating. The same teacher that cares for the student in class may suddenly appear uncaring or even aloof to how well his/her student performs. Yet the truth is that the teacher does still care for the students to give their best and achieve the very best results that they can! Without cheating. Good grades can then be recognised, and awards can be given as an affirmation for not only the required responses, but also as a reward for the hard work put in by the student who has sacrificed and put in the effort.

Likewise, there are rewards that will be given when we get to the judgement seat of Christ, including the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12). This reward is dependent on our Christlike responses to the earthly trials and tests that we face. In the face of persecution, the biblical prophets faced death and gained their reward (Matthew 5:12). We too, will face our various challenges and must choose whether to react in denial of the reality of Christ, or respond in faith knowing God is still present and loving us through each storm. We must keep in mind that this present life is not all there is, and there are treasures in heaven that we can store up (Matthew 6:20-21) through our faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.  

The Lord will Repay

“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:27

The Bible also reveals that the Lord will repay accordingly and eventually. There are times when we get indignant when we suffer from injustice and unfair treatment. We are tempted to take matters into our own hands. We get frustrated when the ones responsible for the wrongdoing seemingly get away scot-free. Take heart however, that Jesus promises in Matthew 16:27 that He will return, and at that time He will right every wrong, and repay in full the compensation for every injustice suffered. We must learn how to suffer well, knowing that our godly responses to unfairness and the sinful behaviours of man will be a lasting witness to the reality of Christ in our lives.

As a church, let us daily live out the victorious Christian life with an eternal perspective. Overcoming temptations by looking forward to the judgment seat of Christ. If we truly believe in Jesus and the recompense that He has in store for us, we will live our lives very differently from ones who are centred around the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world. We will be generous to the poor (Proverbs 19:17), turn many to righteousness and shine for all eternity (Daniel 12:3). To our God be the glory.

Monday: 2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
 
Tuesday:  Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
 
Wednesday: James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Thursday: Daniel 12:3
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
 
Friday: Matthew 6:20-21
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
 
Saturday:  Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
 
Sunday: Revelation 22:12
Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
 

All scriptures are quoted from the English Standard Version (ESV).
By Bro David Jeremiah Mok