Daily Devotions
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. . . His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:19,21
Korean War veteran Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a special man. Recently, he received the Medal of Honor for having saved the lives of his fellow soldiers by wiping out a machine gun nest and taking out more than a dozen of the enemy.
Yes, Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a special man. Maybe I ought to say he was a special man. Master Sergeant Keeble died over twenty-five years ago. It is only now, more than a quarter of a century after Keeble’s death, that the country he served so well has finally gotten around to honoring him for his valor.
Keeble’s family is well aware that sometimes it takes a while to get your reward.
That’s what Jesus was trying to say when He told the parable of the talents. You remember the story: The master of the household had to go on a long trip, and he entrusted his fortune to the hands of his servants. Two of the servants worked with what had been entrusted to them, but one buried his trust in the ground. Finally, when the master returned, he rewarded the faithful servants and punished the one who was a slacker.
Sometimes it takes a while to get a reward. That’s what the Lord Jesus wants His people to know. Christians don’t always get what’s coming to them right away. Folks who have been faithful to the Christ often find themselves frustrated, hurting, and carrying a cross. It’s not unusual for them to wonder: “Is it worthwhile?”
Jesus answers that question. The unknown day will come when He will return and on that day He will show His appreciation for faithfulness. No, He isn’t going to reward us with heaven. That blessing is ours because of His suffering, death, and resurrection. He will reward us in a different way.
Which way? I don’t know exactly what form Christ’s reward will take, but according to the parable, it’s a gift worth waiting for, and it’s a gift that is definitely coming.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You have entrusted me with the duty of being faithful. In all I do may I prove myself worthy of Your trust. Keep me doing Your work until the time comes when You return and grant Your promised reward. In Your Name. Amen.