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"His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face . . . . . and they shall reign
for ever and ever" (Rev. 22: 3-6).
It may be reflected that our Queen Elizabeth does not idly sit on a throne to be
admired by her subjects, but is a servant to our country.
Returning to the thought of "joy", note how this is also connected with the entry to a
higher and more responsible service for the Lord.
"Lord, thou deliverest unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five
talents more. His lord said unto him . . . . . thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
will set thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matt. 25: 20, 21).
Compare also Luke 19: 16-19.
The receiving of a crown, the conception of
"reigning", is but the entrance to a higher and more responsible service for Him
which will bring greater glory and honour to the only One Who is deserved of it (cp.
Rev. 4: 9-11 R.V.). Our reward is in the service itself (is this not our experience in
Christian ministry?), the glory and honour belong to Him. If we are "exalted in due time"
(I Pet. 5: 6) it is to His glory. Even Christ Jesus (in the final analysis) is "highly exalted
. . . . . to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2: 9-11).
BRIAN E. SHERRING