We saw last month, in our paper on the judgment-seat of Christ, that the person of the believer would never come into judgment, but that his works would be manifested. And further, that all contrary to God in the life of a believer would pass under the fire of God’s judgment, and he would suffer loss; whilst, on the other hand, all in the believer’s life that has been for God’s glory would meet with reward at the judgment-seat of Christ.
The suffering loss is as if a contractor built a house which the government inspector condemned as falling short of government requirements, and instead of the contractor receiving the reward of his labour, he suffers loss. His time, money, and labour are fruitless. On the other hand, if his work passes the government inspector, he is rewarded by receiving payment for his work.
Having said thus much, let us enquire as to the nature and character of the rewards the Lord Jesus gives to His own.
Rewards are not given as the recompense of gift or ability, but of faithfulness.
This is illustrated by Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-27. In the former case the king gives one servant five talents, another two, and another one, “according to his several ability.” The bestowal of talents is according to ability clearly, but not the reward—the responsibility of each is according to his capacity, but not the recompense.
When the king returns he finds that the servant to whom had been committed five talents had traded and made other five talents; likewise the one to whom two talents had been committed had traded and made other two. And what are the terms of the reward? Exactly the same, word for word in each case. “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” (Matt. 25:21-23).
In each case they had exactly doubled their capital. Whilst one had greater responsibility, each had taken the full advantage of the opportunity given him in sovereignty by his lord and been equally faithful, and hence the reward is in the same terms.
But in the second scripture (Luke 19) the nobleman calls his ten servants before him and gives them ten pounds in equal portions. They all began on one dead level.
On returning the nobleman calls his servants before him. One man’s pound has gained ten pounds. Reward, authority over ten cities. Another man’s pound has gained five pounds. Reward, authority over five cities. In this parable the industry and faithfulness are greater in one servant than in another, hence the reward differs in that proportion.
Let this be an incentive to us not to repine because our talents and opportunities are not so great as others’, but to faithfully use what our Lord has, in sovereign discretion, committed to our care. If others have greater talents, remember they have greater responsibilities.
We are exhorted to “covet earnestly the best gifts; and yet,” we are told, “I show to you a more excellent way.” What is that? To love one another. It may take talents and gifts to preach or teach, it may take a large income to give largely to the Lord’s work, but one can love with a full heart, even if one’s head and pocket are alike empty.
And, further, it may take more grace to be faithful with a little than with much; as, for instance, a man will pray before he gives a five-pound note away, whilst he will bestow a shilling with little thought.
Rewards are in connection with the absent Lord returning to His kingdom. We shall reign, and reign with Him. “If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him.” Our place in the kingdom is determined by our faithfulness to the rejected One, who will yet reign over the earth. Our portion in heaven is of free sovereign grace, and, apart from merit on our part, our title to it is the precious work of Christ. Each child is equally dear to the Father. There will be no favourites there. Precious thought it is that heaven is all of grace—righteous grace.
The kingdom gives one the idea of government and rule, although it is the government of grace; the eternal state, the idea of grace and glory.
One last word, and let it be a word of inspiration. “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, EXCEPT HE STRIVE LAWFULLY.”
May God give us true desires and motives, so that we may serve Christ and use our opportunities as those that count our responsibilities to be privileges. Thus shall love, not reward, be the motive-spring of our actions.