Thank You for Your Service
Whenever I see a person in military clothing, I try to thank them for their service. I’m grateful for those who stand with and support our country. These servicemen can be easily detected because of their uniform (or an older person with a hat depicting which war they fought in). But missionaries, ones who stand with and are sent forth with the Gospel, are not so easily detected. Their clothing or personality do not give away the fact that they are courageous soldiers serving on the front lines of a spiritual war. So may I take a moment and thank you for your service, dear missionary friend, and remind you of some special blessings God has specifically for you:
- God doesn’t forget what you do
Hebrews 6:10 tells us that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.” In fact, God says that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Don’t be weary as you work for the Lord, knowing that “of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23). Though you may feel others forget you, please keep praying and plowing because God has not nor cannot forget your service.
- What you do is an eternal investment
Your service to the Lord is considered “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20).
When the woman broke and poured out her alabaster box to the Lord, she was criticized for “wasting” what she had, but Jesus said what she did would “be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:13). The investment was not a wasted one, but rather the greatest investment anyone could make. And so it is when one pours out their life to the Lord. Many things will be forgotten, but what is done for the Lord will not be forgotten, it is an eternal investment! What you are doing now will matter in eternity.
- The rewards of serving God are great
It seems that Peter asked an imprudent question when he asked the Lord what the disciples would receive for leaving all and following Him. I’m sure most wanted to know, yet it was Peter who awkwardly asked the Lord. Our gracious Lord didn’t reprimand Peter, or the others, rather gave him a reply, which seems open for all those that follow Him as such. Here’s what He said: “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:28-30). Present and future rewards. Can’t beat that!
The majority of people prioritize money, clothing, and food, but God says if you will seek Him first and His righteousness, “all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). And our Lord continues this truth by saying, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25). What God offers is greater than anything the world can offer. Your service to the Lord brings great rewards. It is well worth serving Jesus.
Thank you for your service!
Jeffrey Bush