As disciples, it is imperative to recognize our identity as ambassadors of a divine enterprise, understanding the magnitude of our calling. When Jesus triumphed over death, He charged His disciples with the crucial mission of spreading the Good News (Matthew 28:19), a mandate that remains central to God’s heart – drawing multitudes into communion with Christ. As we lead others towards righteousness, we are promised a radiance that transcends time. Daniel 12:3 reassures us that ‘those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.’ This promise echoes the eternal significance of our actions. Every deed is an investment, with rewards awaiting us in Heaven. Just as a seed sown bears fruit, our actions in service to God bear eternal significance. This is why the scriptures urge us to ‘not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal’ (Matthew 6:19). Instead, we are encouraged to invest in God’s eternal economy, to ‘lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal’ (vs.20). Every action taken in faith and love is an investment – even a small act of kindness: ‘And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward’ (Matthew 10:42). Every moment spent spreading the Gospel and every instance of financial partnering with the kingdom is a deposit into heavenly treasure, where the returns are eternal and incorruptible. Every act of faithfulness is met with overflowing abundance: ‘good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom’ (Luke 6:38). And unlike earthly investments that can falter, God’s system is flawless, overseen by the faithful steward Himself, Jesus. When we lead souls to Christ, we actively participate in God’s divine economy of rewards. So, saints, let us approach soul-winning not merely as an obligation but as an opportunity to invest in eternity, knowing that our efforts will yield a harvest of immeasurable joy and reward, both in this life, and the one to come.
However, leading people to Jesus demands a level of sacrifice. Mark 10:29-30 reads, ‘Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.’ The intensity of this journey cannot be underestimated; heeding to the call of the gospel can sometimes separate us from our loved ones and the things we hold dear. Consider how the disciples left their businesses to follow the Lord Jesus when He called them. We must accept that following the gospel may not always align with our convenience. And while Mark 10:30 promises us rewards even in this lifetime, it also warns of persecutions accompanying these blessings. Success often attracts opposition and disdain. However, Scripture assures us that our labor for the gospel is not in vain; there are benefits, both in this life and in the life to come.
Scripture consistently reminds us of the heavenly rewards awaiting those who endure persecution for the sake of righteousness. Matthew 5:12 exhorts us, saying, ‘Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’ James 1:12 reaffirms this promise, saying, ‘Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.’ The stakes are undeniably high, saints; enduring through temptation assures us of receiving the crown of life. Therefore, let us not seek the approval of men and risk forfeiting or heavenly rewards. Matthew 6:1 cautions against seeking human approval, saying, ‘Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 6:1). Therefore, church, our aim should not be public recognition – we should do good to please God. The Bible instructs us, saying, ‘when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward’ (vs.2). Let’s be mindful that certain actions may lead us to lose out on heavenly rewards. This is why 2 John 1:8 admonishes us, saying, ‘Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.’
Saints, we are not only promised rewards in Heaven; we will join the heavenly chorus in worshiping God and giving Him glory, echoing the resounding anthem, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ (Revelations 4:8). Words falter in capturing and articulating the full splendor that awaits us. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Revelations 4 further unveils the scene in Heaven, where ‘the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever’ (vs.9). ‘The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne …’ (vs.10), magnifying God and jubilantly displaying a testament of their faithful service, as will we. Revelations 2:10 also reassures us, saying, ‘Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ So, church, let us persist in preaching the gospel through every available avenue, let us remain steadfast in kingdom business, with full assurance that eternal rewards await us in Heaven.
Prayer
Father, we are grateful for the privilege and honor of representing Your kingdom. Thank You for empowering us to spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Your Word promises that as we lead others to righteousness, we will shine brightly like stars forever. Thank You for the strength to withstand persecution and temptation, and for helping us to remain steadfast, trusting in Your promises of eternal life and heavenly rewards. We will continue to proclaim the gospel with boldness and conviction, knowing that kingdom business is our highest calling. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
