Skip to main content

Joy of the Master

"Well done, good and faithful servant! over a few things you were faithful, over many things will I set you, enter into the joy of your master."1

This word for good is agathós, it means to be inherently (intrinsically) good, good in nature. It describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith. How is a servant good? by faith. It is by faith we please God and that faith without love is nothing. Jesus said, labor for food that doesn't perish. By faith we enter into the joy of the master, by faith we please God.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, it behooves the one drawing near to God to believe that he exists and to those seeking him, a rewarder he becomes."2

God's people should be all about faith as it is impossible to please Him without faith. Men stand before God because of grace, it is by faith in Christ they can approach Him. He is a rewarder, as we learn to trust in him we learn that he is a good good Father, we find that He is of his word, trust worthy, thus being trust worthy is of his nature. Trust is a required element of faith. It is impossible to please Him without faith and as Paul writes faith without love faith is nothing.

"bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."3

The nature of God's love is that it believes or has faith in you, thus it sees the good, the heart worthy. If Love believes and faith pleases God then love and faith are inseparable. We add hope and now, abides faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these is love. Love believes and hopes thus it is greater. We love God because he first loved us, love believes therefore he believed in us first. In fact Paul writes it was his goodness that led us to repentance.4

"moreover that in good soil these are they who in a heart worthy and good, having heard, keep and bear fruit by perseverance."3

Good servants have a heart worthy. This word for worthy, "beautiful, good, worthy." My heavenly Father knows my true nature, he sees my heart that it is good. This is the name God gives his children, unforsakened ones; those who have not been forsakened, those he has chosen, those who do not give up, those who persevere. We are vessels of his mercy, that he prepared beforehand for his glory.4

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."5

Perseverance is key to growing in faith. It is a principle of sowing; good soil requires a heart worthy, but also it requires perseverance as the cares of this life can discourage you. If we make the Christian life all about earthly rewards or blessings we loose sight of the heavenly blessings. Endurance is needed to develop character, as character requires endurance, and it is in suffering that endurance comes, "we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance."6 Learning to trust also requires godly training of discernment, which means sometimes we leap and fall on our face, and so we have grace, get up my son, our heavenly Father says.

"go to the sea and cast a hook and after catching the first fish take from the mouth a coin..."6 

Such a simple word from Jesus. You have heard the term "the devil is in the details," I have found such to be true. You can picture this happening to Peter, look at that old boat and fishing gear, that is not worthy for the Lord's work, we need to buy new things. Now, I have all this new gear, where do I go fishing in the sea? where do I cast the hook? what bait should I use? The devil would use these things to side track us, even condemn us. God is not so concerned with the "boat," not so much with the good works as he is with the workmanship, as his work produces good works. The devil and those who follow him walk by sight, we must walk by faith. 

"It is done. I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, I to the one thirsting will give of the spring of the water of life freely."7

Recently I was having one of those days when faith seems a far stretch and God said, "Go fishing, catch a fish." But all my fishing gear was elsewhere, all I had was a old pole with half rotten line and a rusty hook. But I dug up some worms and went fishing. I got caught up in the details, where should I go... the fish were jumping all over and my old pole and rusty hook isn't catching anything, it was my fault. Finally, I bow my head discouraged. The enemy seeks to discourage us, he uses those who walk by sight to speak things not of faith nor of love into our lives. The gifts are for building up of the body, such is into faith, therefore authority that puts emphasis on obedience without trust eliminates faith in the body. It says you don't need to trust in God, trust in the organization. 

"for building up of the body of Christ until we all reach unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a man grown to measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."7

Christ came in the fullness of Grace and Truth, we can easily associate love and faith as a measure, certainly such speaks to the "how to" in building the body into unity. I have learned to trust Him over the voices of others and those of my past. Trust as in any relationship is something that is developed, earned. The Church should be about being trust worthy and deserving of trust. We learn that our heavenly Father is good, that he is trust worthy, it is his nature and the nature of faith.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."8

And then He gives me understanding, "go fishing, catch a fish" I believed it, here I am with a hook in the water. He said it and I believed it and it is done! The victory is already won, it is a matter of believing that such is finished, trusting that it is done. He gives his children a new name, overcomer. I went home with a fish, and more importantly with food that doesn't perish. To those of faith, a rewarder he becomes. Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your master.
Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like 
But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night 
And you tell me that you're pleased 
And that I'm never alone...

Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more