The scriptures say that Christ will reward every man according to their works

Num 26:54  To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. 

The general rule of equity is here prescribed to Moses, that the tribes which had more people would be given more lands, and to those who have fewer, they would get less (Numbers 26:54).

The scriptures say that Christ will reward every man according to their works: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27; read also 1 Corinthians 3:8; Revelations 22:12).

In the parable of the pounds, we read that the servant that gained ten pounds was made ruler over ten cities, and he that gained five pounds over five cities (Luke 19:16-19). The two servants who had increased their investments were rewarded according to their respective results.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6: "He that soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." This is a plain maxim: no man can expect to reap but in proportion as he has sown.  A farmer who is diligent and planted ten acres of seeds will yield ten acres of rice. Likewise, Paul is saying that God will bestow rewards in proportion to what is given.

This principle of equity applies to our giving. In the parable of the talents, those who were given more talents were required to produce more results. Our Lord says: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48, ESV).

The idea is: the more you are blessed by God, the more is expected from you. If you are given ten talents from God, He expects you to use the ten talents to glorify Him. It also means that if you are given more riches, you are also expected to give in proportion of your blessing. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:2: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” The phrase, “as God hath prospered” means the more you are prospered by God, the more is required from you.

Giving to God is a touchy subject and no Christians like to hear it preach over the pulpit because it hurts their pockets; it pains their hearts to part with their money. I don’t like to preach about money, but I have to warn Christians about the love of money. It is the love of money that prevents some to love God more (1 Timothy 6:10). It is the love of money that prevents a rich young man from entering the kingdom of heaven (Mark 10:21-23). Christ warns: “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24).

Giving is not the only means we can give to God but it is something that the Lord has invited us to do. Why do you think the Lord looked upon the poor widow’s giving and made this comment: “This poor widow cast in more than they all: for all these did of their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had”? (Luke 21:2-3). It is because she gave generously.

Look at the church at Macedonia. They gave in proportion to the grace (blessings) that God had given to them: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.” How did the Christians respond to the grace that was given to them? They gave liberally (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). Here were a people who had responded properly to the grace that God had bestowed upon them!

God had been gracious to the Macedonians; He had been gracious to the Corinthians; He has been gracious to you and me! The real issue is how are we responding to the wonderful grace that God has bestowed upon us?

Christ has said: “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). The reward of our inheritance is given according to what we have received and put in. How are we giving to God? Are we laying up treasures in heaven? (Matthew 6:20).

                                            

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.