“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
The “joy of the Lord” that awaits the believer is beyond all earthly comparison. Even the brief glimpse of Christ’s glory witnessed by the disciples on the mount so overwhelmed them that they wanted to remain there. If a passing revelation of His majesty produced such a joyful experience, what will it be like to dwell forever in His immediate presence?
The fullness of heavenly joy consists chiefly in the enjoyment of God Himself,[1] because as the psalmist states, “in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). Here is where every longing of the heart will be perfectly satisfied, for we will finally be with the One for whom we were created.
One of the greatest blessings of heaven is that it is a place where evil cannot abide. Sin, our greatest burden, will be entirely removed. No corruption will remain to grieve the conscience or hinder perfect communion with God. Temptation will be no more. The old nature will never again rise to oppose the new.
All the sorrows that characterize life in this fallen world will likewise come to an end. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, pain, weakness, or fear. Every tear will be wiped away by the hand of God, and every remembrance of suffering will only magnify the greatness of His redeeming mercy.
What is now known only by faith will then be enjoyed by sight. Every imperfection in our knowledge will disappear as the saints behold their Savior face to face. We will be perfectly conformed to His likeness and forever rejoice in His beauty and holiness.
What blessed fellowship awaits the people of God. All the redeemed from every generation shall be gathered together in perfect unity. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the apostles, prophets, martyrs, and every believer will worship the Lamb with one heart and one voice. Never again will there be division, misunderstanding, or sorrow among the family of God.
Even the body will share in this glorious redemption. Raised incorruptible and fashioned like the glorious body of Christ, it will be perfectly fitted for everlasting service and worship. And every aspect of our being will glorify the Lord without weariness or decay.
All these blessings are secured through the Lord Jesus Christ alone. He ascended to heaven to prepare a place for His people, and He Himself will welcome them into His everlasting kingdom. So the greatest joy of heaven will not be the absence of sin and suffering, nor even the presence of all the redeemed, but the presence of Christ Himself, in whose face shines the glory of God forever.
Contemplations:
- Being Faithful In Small Things. The Lord measures His servants by faithfulness rather than prominence. He has not entrusted every believer with the same gifts, opportunities, or responsibilities, but He does require that each one be faithful with what has been placed in his hands. It is easy to imagine that greater usefulness belongs to those with greater callings, yet Christ declares that faithfulness in little things is precious in His sight. Every duty performed out of love for Him, though unnoticed by the world, is remembered by the Master. Whether my work seems great or small, my calling is to serve Christ with a sincere heart, knowing that He sees every act of faithfulness and delights in those who persevere in obedience.
- Living For Christ’s Commendation. There is no commendation that compares with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” for Christ judges with perfect righteousness. He knows every hidden motive, every quiet act of obedience, every sacrifice made for His name, and every trial patiently endured. My desire should not be to gain the applause of men, but to live so that my Lord is pleased with my life. May I therefore order my thoughts, words, and actions with that glorious day continually before me.
- Looking Beyond Present Service To Eternal Joy. Every burden I bear for Christ, every temptation resisted, every act of faithful service, and every trial I patiently endure shall one day give way to everlasting gladness in His presence. This hope gives strength for present obedience. The difficulties of this life are temporary, but the joy prepared for the redeemed is eternal. May I not grow weary in well doing, nor become discouraged when my efforts feel small, for the Lord who called me is faithful, and He has prepared a reward infinitely greater than any sacrifice I will ever make for His sake.
- Longing To Enter The Joy Of My Lord. The greatest reward promised to the believer is not honor, authority, or blessedness, but communion with Christ Himself. To enter into the joy of my Lord is to dwell forever in His presence, delighting in His glory without interruption or end. There every trace of sin will be removed, every sorrow will cease, and every desire of the renewed heart will be perfectly satisfied. The One whom I now know by faith I will then see face to face. Every act of worship will be free from distraction, every affection will be pure, and every moment will be filled with the joy of loving and serving Him. This blessed hope should cause me to eagerly long for that day when Christ will welcome all His faithful servants into His everlasting joy.
Prayer (Adoration):
Most gracious and glorious Father, I adore You for the eternal inheritance You have prepared for all who belong to Your beloved Son. You purposed from everlasting to bring Your redeemed into the fullness of Your presence, where joy never diminishes and holiness never fades.
I praise You for the Lord Jesus, who purchased this glorious inheritance through His perfect obedience and atoning death. Because of Him, Your children will one day hear those gracious words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” and will enter into the joy of their Lord.
I adore You for the perfection of that heavenly kingdom, where sin will be no more, sorrow will cease, death will be swallowed up in victory, and every tear will be wiped away. There Your people will behold the glory of Christ without interruption and worship You with perfect love and undivided hearts.
How wonderful are Your promises, O Lord. You have prepared an incorruptible inheritance that neither fades nor perishes. You have ordained everlasting fellowship with Yourself and with all the redeemed. You will conform Your people completely to the image of Your Son, so that they delight in Your holiness forever.
Receive all praise for the greatness of Your mercy, the wisdom of Your redemption, and the certainty of Your promises. You alone are worthy of everlasting honor, glory, dominion, and thanksgiving.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Matt. 24:47; Luke 16:20; Heb. 12:2; Psalm 16:11
[1] Thomas Manton, Christs Temptation and Transfiguration Practically Explained and Improved in Several Sermons, (London printed: s.n, 1685), 104-108.
