“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).
These are words that we yearn to hear one day.
Not only are these words spoken to Christ's servants who are ready to leave this
world to be with Him, but they are also spoken for those who still serve Him in
this world. They are not spoken to those who have been recognized by men for
their good needs, but for those who have been recognized by God for what their
heart has given. These encouraging words are for those who serve others in His
name selflessly. They are for those who share His love wherever it is needed
without seeking recognition. He says that the least in His kingdom on earth is
among the greatest in heaven (Luke 9:48).
These words spoken in Matthew are also for those who quietly
stand strong in His strength no matter what comes their way. Whatever suffering
I quietly face–whatever I do in His name without notice, I will serve Him
without the need of earthly recognition. My suffering or circumstance will spur
me to serve, and His joy will come, not as a reward of what I have done, but as
a reward of my heart given away in spite of my own pain.
If
I serve Him faithfully here on earth, then I do enter into a fuller spiritual
life of His joy. It is one where earthly recognition of service means nothing,
but His recognition means everything. This world may never recognize my service
for Him, but He knows, and He rewards, not with earthly fame or riches, but with
the incredible gift of His joy. It is His joy that brings peace when facing
pain. It is His joy that no one can steal from me. There is nothing on earth
that offers His joy. “Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” takes on a whole new
meaning. His Joy is real for me on earth.
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