On this day, in recent history, 21 men in Libya were beheaded for their faith in Jesus Christ. The last man of the group, Matthew, from Ghana, was moved by the great faith of the 20 Egyptian believers, who refused to deny Christ before their beheading. So then, Matthew, was beheaded moments after he became a follower of Christ, as he professed his faith to the evil group who were to kill him.
Now, this history is inspirational, as the 20 men who confessed their faith before Matthew, were rewarded greatly for their seed sowing and plant watering, since they were not able to see the growth of such here, on earth, yet still remained faithful.
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:5 – 8 New King James Version)
For their rewards of their actions were so unimaginably great, that nothing on earth could possibly satisfy the outcome of their great faith. So then, they are rewarded with Heavenly crowns, a reign with Christ, and countless blessings from our Father, in Heaven.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 English Standard Version)
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (1 Peter 3:14 New King James Version)
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4 New King James Version)
Inspiration and Encouragement
May we find encouragement by knowing of the seeds that we sow, or the plants which we water, may not have growth for us to experience in our time on earth, yet such is indicative of an unimaginable, Heavenly reward unto us, from Jesus Christ. So, if we leave this earth without experiencing the fruits of our labor here, then more blessed are we for having remained faithful to God, as we are showing our faith not dependent on material gain, praise from man, or the like; rather, our faith is from a genuine love and devotion to Jesus.
Likewise, may encouragement be found to continue walking in Christ, and experiencing His blessings here on earth, as such is also showing that He is with us, and loves us just as so. For the slow or fast growing of our seeds, or a long or short labor, or reaping, does not mean our work is greater or lesser, but rather shows the Lord’s glory and unique, personal journeys which He has prepared for His children.
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:34 – 38 New King James Version)
Therefore, a slow growth of seed, from a continual, faithful watering and planting in the Lord, is indicative of a devoted one, as a fast growth is of the same, both using great faith and action in Him.
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 New King James Version)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9 New King James Version)
Confirmation
Our Father does not forsake us, and will eternally reward us, and give us trials and the handling of His blessings, unto more glorification of Him, and more eternal gain in Him. So then, may we learn from our brothers, as they passed they test to remain faithful, despite knowing that they will not experience the outcome of their faithful seed sowing here, on earth.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10 – 12 New King James Version)
As well, may we find the same sentiments and expressions of faith in the Bible, for more confirmation and the like; as Abraham showed a great act of faith, similar to our brothers, believing the Lord, and what the He would render to him, despite his earthly troubles.
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” (Romans 4:18 New King James Version)
Closing
As our days go on, we may not experience the outcome of our faithful actions, whether such takes place through marriage, mothering, friendships, mentoring, and so on, because the world is fallen. Nonetheless, may we find encouragement to always be a light, and pass the tests which require great faith in Him, even when it the outcome seems bleak, as such will be of unimaginable, enteral influence, and benefit.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 English Standard Version)
God sees and prepares us, His children, for more than what we can imagine or ask.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20 – 21 New King James Version)
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 New King James Version)
God bless!
Claire Belle
Comments