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I May Shine as the Stars for Ever and Ever, August 31
Rewards of Service
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars
for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3
He who has appointed “to every man his work,” according to his
ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded.
Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of
God’s favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise:
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
However short our service or humble our work, if in simple faith we
follow Christ, we shall not be disappointed of the reward. That which
even the greatest and wisest cannot earn, the weakest and most humble
may receive. Heaven’s golden gate opens not to the self-exalted. It is not
lifted up to the proud in spirit. But the everlasting portals will open wide
to the trembling touch of a little child. Blessed will be the recompense
of grace to those who have wrought for God in the simplicity of faith
and love.
The brows of those who do this work will wear the crown of sacrifice.
But they will receive their reward.
To every worker for God this thought should be a stimulus and an
encouragement. In this life our work for God often seems to be almost
fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we
may not be permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem
to be lost. But the Saviour assures us that our work is noted in heaven,
and that the recompense cannot fail.
Though his life may be hard and self-denying,...in the sight of heaven
it will be a success, and he will be ranked as one of God’s noblemen.
“They that be wise shall shine as the brightest of the firmament; and they
that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
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