[The Mayor]

June 3, 2005

I'll Pay You Later

Read:
Luke 14:7-14

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

Bible In One Year: Proverbs 8-11

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 promises 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.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Is There Life After Death?

[DollyCali]

Good morning Lori & Rus and all the other fine FReeper FRiends.. I too am going to be very busy next few days but will pop in now & then. Might post a pix or two from last weekend, if I do the prep work & put on server..

Most of my weekend projects are labor intense & I will prolly need occasional sit down breaks.

Lovely pledge Lori. Funny how now I look at these things & see the "work" involved, as well at the beauty/cleverness.!!!

For years when I would see movie credits, I would try to pick out/ recognize the fonts (one of my hot buttons)..Now I am doing that with the HTML here & elsewhere..

Rus, liked your devotional. The idea of salvation for those under grace & DEGREES of reward /punishment have always been part of my understanding of scripture but not everyone agrees with me. People don't like accountability , do they?

Mom is still sleeping & is doing well on her mattress set up on floor. No worry about rolling out of bed!!! Have some plans for many changes in home to accommodate her to remain her rather than nursing home. Lots of work to do this & I started yesterday on first steps. She must be feeling better as yesterday she complained about the meal I made (although the couple friends that were over helping me with an outdoor project & shared the meal, had seconds & raved about it.. she says they are bachelors & don't know any better..sigh)

Later, friends..

[LadyX]

"Did you know that God promises 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."

~ snip ~

Surely, the Lord gives us comfort, love, and guidance today, but what wonderful things He has planned for us in the future!"

Oh, how reassuring this is, Your Honor!
God helps us work our way through/past the whirlpools and sink holes of life, and tries to get our attention to keep us steering on the Right Course, according to His Plan (Will) for each individual.

Looking back upon it all, there is such joy in 'seeing' how much of our lives He has salvaged - not always in direct proportion to what we have 'earned.'
Ah - the mystery and joy of His Grace!

We who believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will have a place at His Table one glorious day --