Serving the Best of All Masters
Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored. — Proverbs 27:18
His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' — Matthew 25:21
Author
Charles Spurgeon
Summary: Serving the Lord Jesus is the greatest honor, even when we can perform only the smallest act for his sake. Unlike serving bad masters, which produces bitter fruit, caring for Christ’s interests brings joy in our labor, growth as we persevere, blessing when we bear fruit, and glory as an eternal reward. We should not seek our greatest honors now, but when our journey is over and we are brought into the presence of Jesus. There we will have heaven as our home, eternal blessedness as our portion, and the Lord himself as our companion. Therefore, let us ask to be humble and patient workers, allowing God to determine when and how to honor us.
He who tends the fig tree receives figs in return for his care, and he who looks after the interests of a good master receives honor as his reward. Truly, the Lord Jesus is the best of all masters, and it is an honor for anyone to be permitted to perform the smallest act for His sake.
To serve certain masters is like tending crab apple trees and eating bitter apples as wages; but to serve my Lord Jesus is to tend a fig tree that produces the sweetest figs. His service is itself a delight, continuing in that service is a promotion, success in that service is a blessing here below, and the reward for that service is glory above.
Our greatest honors will be gathered at that time when the figs are ripe, in the world to come. The angels who are now our servants will carry us home when our workday has come to an end. Heaven, where Jesus is, will be our honorable mansion, eternal blessedness will be our honorable portion, and the Lord Himself will be our honorable companion. Who could imagine the full meaning of this promise: “he who looks after his master’s interests will be honored”?
Lord, help me to look after my Master’s interests. Cause me to set aside every thought of honor until the hour when You Yourself will honor me. May Your Holy Spirit make me a humble and patient worker and servant!
Source: The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith. Translated by Allan Roman.
http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/mayo.pdf