I'll Pay You Later

Read: Luke 14:7-14

You shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. --- Luke 14:14

The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 19-20
John 13:21-38

Suppose a boss were to say to an employee, "We really appreciate what you're doing around here, but we've decided to change the way we pay you. Starting today, we're going to pay you later --- after you retire." Would the employee jump for joy? Of course not. That's not the way things work in this world. We like our payment now --- or at least every payday.

Did you know that God promise to "pay" us later --- much later? And He asks us to be happy about it!

Jesus suggested that our ultimate reward for the good things we do in His name comes after we die. In Luke 14, Jesus said that if we care for the poor, the lame, and the blind, our reward for such kindness will come at the resurrection of the righteous [Luke 14:14]. He also said that if we are persecuted, we should "rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed [our] reward is great in heaven" [6:22-23]. Surely, the Lord gives us comfort, love, and guidance today, but what wonderful things He has planned for us in the future!

This may not be the way we would have planned it; we don't enjoy waiting for things. But imagine how glorious it will be when we receive our rewards in Jesus' presence. What a grand time we'll have as we enjoy what God has reserved for later. --- Dave Branon

Beyond earth's sorrows, the joys of heaven,
Eternal blessings with Christ my Lord;
Earth's weeping ended, earth's trials over,
Sweet rest in Jesus, O blest reward! --- Gilmore

WHAT IS DONE FOR CHRIST IN THIS LIFE WILL BE REWARDED IN THE LIFE TO COME.