June 7 THE REWARDER "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12, NIV). The title, "Rewarder," portrays Christ as engaged in the work of rewarding as well as saving men and women according to their response to the gospel. The literal rendering of the term, "rewarder," is "the one who brings wages." Christ, then, is the great paymaster, and His second advent is the great payday. The theology of rewards occupies a pivotal place in Scripture. To reward those who by faith have accepted Him as Saviour and Lord and who by His grace, have remained faithful to the end, must be our Redeemer's most satisfying experience. Isaiah understood this when he prophesied "he will see his offspring... and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:10, 11, NIV). Sadly however, the very opposite of this inexpressible satisfaction will be true when the great rewarder rewards those who have slighted, spurned, despised, and rejected His offers of salvation. The portrait of Christ as redeemer and rewarder is a powerful double incentive to live as God wants us to live. Because He loved us so much that He was willing to die to redeem us should fill us with gratitude and a reciprocal love for our Saviour. As John says, "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Indeed, to love Him is to serve Him lovingly. Our gracious Redeemer not only paid in full the price of our salvation, but He wants the joy of personally awarding us a life that measures with the life of God. The most precious, gracious, and glorious reward of all is to be forever in His company. This transcends all other rewards. "If you are faithful, the peace that passeth all understanding will be your reward in this life, and in the future life you will enter into the joy of your Lord."--Christian Service, p. 101. My Prayer Today: Lord, may I live in readiness for the great reward. Amen.