“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.” Proverbs 27:18
Devotional Thought For The Day
This is a fairly common sense kind of proverb. The one who tends to the crops is able to enjoy the fruit of that crop. At least this is generally true – we can think of exceptions. It is the same, generally, that a man who is attentive to his duties, especially as he serves those in authority over him, will be honored by those whom he serves well. So we are encouraged not to lose hope or give up in fulfilling our obligations – we will reap in due time. The more conscientious we are, the better we perform, the more likely it is that we will be honored and rewarded. This is generally true in this life, though there are exceptions we are aware of. Still, regardless of the inequalities and injustices that occur, we do well to heed the encouragement of this proverb and to do our utmost to be diligent in our service to others.
However, it is not always the case that people are rewarded and honored for doing what is good and right – so selfishness or self-interest cannot always be our motivation in life. The Scripture reminds us of the dismal “reward” often bestowed upon the prophets, and we well know what kind of reception and response was given to our Lord Jesus. Much of the same is recorded in the New Testament – John the Baptist, Stephen, James the brother of John, the apostle Paul, and John. It is certainly true, what the Lord Jesus promised: “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” [John 12:26] However, such honoring and reward is often deferred to the next life – when we rest from our labors and our works follow us. [Rev. 14:13] So for this life we must often labor diligently and faithfully even though this results in less earthly blessings and more tribulation for us. We must obey God rather than men.
There is also the matter of our sinful nature – which afflicts us with both incompetence and laziness. In the matter of serving God – doing everything in accord with His will, we often sin and fall short of the glory of God. We cannot stand the pain and discomfort of full repentance and are constantly playing with excuses and justifications for our sins of commission and omission. Likewise, we simply cannot be properly grateful for the forgiveness and mercy we receive from God every moment of every day. So it is a wondrous thing that God is full of gracious mercy, forgiveness, clemency, patience, and love – so that for Christ’s sake, in view of what He has done for us, we do not get what we deserve but rather the rich blessings of His love. He honors us for so little a thing as returning to Him in repentance and pleading for His forgiveness, and for trusting in His gracious love. We do well to remember the real nature of our relationship with God, and live humbly and gratefully in His mercy and love.
In this way we are actually strengthened and empowered to serve God and others more fitly. The one who is forgiven much also loves much, and we love because He first loved us. [Luke 7:47; 1 John 4:19] The proud, the self-righteous, and the arrogant are not moved to love more – they are looking to be served and honored more, and they feel that they never receive the honor they believe is due them. Even with God they find fault, not able to grasp why He hasn’t lifted them up and elevated them above all others. Lord, have mercy. But those who live humbly, understanding the wonders of God’s mercy and grace, are moved to lay down their lives for others in accord with God’s will and His love. And when they are honored they deny that they are deserving of it – they give all praise, honor, and glory to God, as is proper and fitting. In this way we guard and serve our Master.
Prayer For The Day
Lord Jesus, continue to humble us in repentance and to lift us up and give us joy in Your gracious mercy, forgiveness, and love. Grant us constancy and diligence in our duties, the privileged tasks and responsibilities that You have blessed us with. May we always marvel and praise You that there is honor and reward for us in what You work within us. Amen.