The Good Works!

It is said that Alexander the Great, on his death bed asked his generals to fulfill his last three wishes. His first wish was that his physicians alone must carry his coffin because no doctor can really cure anyone. Doctors can treat all they can, but healing comes from God. Secondly, he wished that when his casket was being carried to the grave, the path should be strewn with gold, silver, and the precious stones he had collected all through his life. He wanted the people to realize that chasing wealth was a waste of time. Thirdly, he wished to have both his hands dangling out of his casket for he wanted the people to know that he came empty handed into this world and that he went empty-handed out of this world.

The Bible has a lot to say about 'works.' We are not saved by 'works,' but they have to be the outworking of our faith. The way we live out our faith in our everyday life does not go unnoticed. The Bible says in Revelation 14:13, "… Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord … their works follow them."The Bible records John's vision, where he saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books being opened. "And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books"(Rev 20:12). The Bible says in 1 Timothy 5:24,25, "Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident …"The message to the angels of the seven churches of Revelation begins with the words, "I know your works" and goes on to talk about their actions of not denying the faith and holding on to His Name; their patience, love, service, and faith. These are the "works" that accompany a believer upon his death! For a believer, there is no second death, that is, there is no eternal condemnation, but we will be judged and rewarded according to our "works."

My friend, we may not be recognized or appreciated by the people around us. But do not be weary of doing good for our final reward depends on how we have lived out our faith during our lifetime. Take heart, the Lord has a record and will reward us accordingly!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 25th June 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 26th June 2019

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