People who are great in heaven may not be well-known pastors or successful evangelists. Surely those who lead people to Christ, save orphans, or faithfully pastor churches, etc. will receive great rewards in Heaven. But what about those anonymous servants or martyrs, how are their rewards in heaven counted? Serving outcome on earth are not the only criteria of reward counting in heaven. Otherwise, it will be very unfair to the ancient Christians who did not have internet or modern transports; but only outreach to non-believers with their mouth and foot. The world’s ranking based on $$$ dollar. The world has a billionaires list; but what is the ranking principle in the everlasting heaven?
One “character” in heaven may be comparable to $$$ dollar on earth. More we have this “character”, higher it would be our ranking in heaven. The Book of Revelation shows us pure gold and other valuable materials are used as construction materials in the new Jerusalem. Therefore, physical things might not worth much at that time. We cannot know whether heaven have currency or not, but the Bible has mentioned a valuable “character”, that we should immediately start collecting on earth! If we want to be great in heaven, don’t pursue in the wrong direction.
Let us review the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 18:1-4: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (NKJV)
Brothers and sisters, this valuable character is “Humility”, which is one of the most important personalities that Jesus mentioned. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 NKJV) “Humility” of Jesus caused Him being obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross!
Why Jesus is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The bible does not say because Christ is God, so God has highly exalted Him. The bible says “humility” and “obedience” are the reason why God has highly exalted Him. We see how Matthew 18:4 explains the heaven’s principle: “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus Christ is the humblest one ever, that is why He is the greatest in heaven.
What should we pursue in our Christian life? Be humble to God as a little child. “Humility” is an important discipline, and we need to be reminded from time to time. Jesus already uses his own life as testimony and as teaching. What is it mean by humble to God as a little child? Easily believe Him; do as we hear from Him; be teachable and moldable; and always admit our needs of His presence just like how little children always stay with parents.
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