CHAPTER 10: Sowing and Reaping, a Judge in Heaven

c HAP t E r 10

SOWING AND REAPING, A JUDGE IN HEAVEN

“Do not remove the ancient landmark, or enter the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.”

Proverbs 23:10-11

You might remember that Solomon talked about ancient landmarks a little earlier in Proverbs 23. However, this is not a repeat of his previous point. Actually, he uses a similar example but wants us to notice something new. This time, he wants to point out that whatever you do, God sees it; and not only does God see it, but He also repays.

We realize that in an earthly court we have the right to stand before a judge and jury, but that doesn’t mean justice is always served. Not so with God. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Some people receive their just reward for sin now; others will receive it later. One thing, however, is certain. Everyone will receive their just reward sooner or later.

We need to remember that sin is not the only thing that is repaid. In Revelations 22:12, John records Jesus as saying “I am coming

quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Christians can become so focused on the fact that our works aren’t what will get us into heaven that we fail to remember that we are going to be rewarded based on our works. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 we are told that there will be some who enter heaven but do not receive any rewards all. When you consider how long eternity is, doesn’t it make sense to store up treasures there?

God says that He is the one who repays or rewards. He said, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.” The question, then, is not whether justice will be served, but rather when and by whom it will be served. God asks us to leave the repayment to him.

So then, what do you do if someone does you wrong? What should you do if you don’t see justice right away? According to the Bible, you forgive. That is, you let go of your right to impose punishment or hold a grudge, and Unforgiveness affects you let God take care of it. And believe me, God can you. It distorts you, get even better than you or I and it distorts your ever could. You may think that the person you forgive judgment. is the one who most benefits from your forgiveness, but actually it is you who most benefits. Unforgiveness affects you. It distorts you, and it distorts your judgment. A prime example of unforgiveness distorting judgment is Judas and the decision he made to betray Jesus.

While Jesus and his disciples were in Bethany, they were enjoying a meal at the home of Simon the Leper (see Mark 14:3-9). As Jesus sat at the table, the Bible says that a woman entered with an alabaster box of perfume worth 300 denarii. At that time, if you worked from 6am to 6pm for one day, you could expect to be paid one denarii. Basically, the perfume she brought was worth 300 working

days, or 14 months of wages. If we were to put a price tag on that today, assuming minimum wage, it would be nearly 20,000 dollars!

The woman took this costly box of perfume and poured it ALL out as she anointed Jesus. Some, including Judas Iscariot, became indignant, saying, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? It might have been sold… and given to the poor” (Mark 14:4-5). Then Jesus rebuked them saying, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial” (Mark 14:6-9).

Apparently all of this offended Judas. Walking in offense and unforgiveness crippled his judgment, and shortly thereafter he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:15). Betraying the Son of God is a very bad decision, don’t you agree? Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first nor the last bad decision conceived in the fog of unforgiveness. The examples are endless, beginning with Cain and Abel and the first murder ever committed. Even today, wherever unforgiveness is given shelter, bad choices flock like pigeons to bread crumbs. I hope you can see how vital it is, if you have anything against anyone, let it go. Choose to forgive them, and let God handle the rest.

We have discussed leaving vengeance to God, but what about the reward that you know you deserve? Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) says, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does.” Ultimately, you should do everything you do for God. This can be easy to forget when you go to work and try to earn the bonus or win the promotion, but God is the one who will repay.

Have you ever poured yourself into something for your spouse, for your children, for a client, or for your boss only to have them shrug it off as if it was insignificant? When that happens, you have a choice to make. You can be hurt and offended because you are not appreciated and it seems like your effort isn’t gaining you anything, or you can

see the world as it truly is and realize that if you dedicate your effort to God, He will reward you. God never loses track of your hours or under-appreciates your effort. My favorite paraphrase of Ephesians 6:8 says, “Whatever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.” What a stress-free life we can live if we stop trying to keep score and extract repayment from everyone we have helped.

When I think of the importance of letting God handle our rewards, I can’t help thinking about Joseph. Joseph started out as a diligent worker in his family’s business, but instead of receiving acknowledgment and repayment, he was sold into slavery and his father was told he was dead. Joseph worked for Potiphar and brought God’s blessing to his entire household. Just when it appeared that he was moving back up in the world, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attempted rape. Joseph was thrown into jail. That isn’t exactly what I’d call a desirable compensation plan.

While in prison, Joseph worked diligently for the jailer who repaid his diligence with increased responsibility—but he was still in jail. One day, Pharaoh called on Joseph to interpret a dream. The Bible says that God gave Joseph wisdom and favor, and as a result he entered the throne room a prisoner and left as the prime minister of the most powerful country in the world! God doesn’t always pay on Friday, but He does always pay!