Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

to use a familiar expression, there is good wages in the harvest home; and
the day, though hot, is but a short one.
When Christ shall appear to judge the world in righteousness, ye who
have fed his flock, who have taken the superintendence of it, not by
constraint, not for "filthy lucre's sake," not as lords over the heritage, but
with a "ready mind," employing body, soul, spirit, time, and talents, in
endeavouring to pluck sinners as brands from eternal burnings, and build
up the church of Christ on its most holy faith; YE shall "receive a crown
of glory" that "fadeth not away;" an eternal nearness and intimacy with
the ineffably glorious God; so that ye who have turned many to
righteousness shall shine, not merely as stars, but as suns, in the kingdom
of your Father! O ye heavenly minded, diligent, self-denying pastors after
God's own heart, whether ye be in the church established by the state, or
in those divisions widely separated from or nearly connected with it, take
courage; preach Jesus; press through all difficulties in the faith of your
God; fear no evil while meditating nothing but good. Ye are stars in the
right hand of Jesus, who walks among your golden candlesticks, and has
lighted that lamp of life which ye are appointed to trim; fear not, your
labour in the Lord cannot be in vain! Never, never can ye preach one
sermon in the spirit of your office which the God of all grace shall permit
to be unfruitful; ye carry and sow the seed of the kingdom by the
command and on the authority of your God; ye sow it, and the heavens
shall drop down dew upon it. Ye may go forth weeping, though bearing
this precious seed; but ye shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing your sheaves with you. Amen, even so, Lord Jesus!
God does not reward his servants according to the success of their
labour, because that depends on himself; but he rewards them according
to the quantum of faithful labour which they bestow on his work. In this
sense none can say, "I have laboured in vain, and spent my strength for
naught."
On the other hand, if they be faithful, their labour shall not be in vain,
and their safety shall be great. He that toucheth them toucheth the apple