And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me.
—Rev. 22:12
5084 On The Stadium
In races, athletes are not rewarded right below the stadium, but called up to the stage for reward.
In our earthly race, we are rarely rewarded on earth, but will be later!
5085 Calvin’s Attitude
When Calvin was banished from ungrateful Geneva, he said, “Most assuredly if I had merely served man, this would have been a poor recompense; but it is my happiness that I have served Him who never fails to reward His servants to the full extent of His promise.”
—Spurgeon
5086 Interest On $1 in 240 Years
A few days ago, a godly man who endeavored to honor God with his possessions, said to me: “I sat down one night and calculated the increase of $1.00 at compound interest, and found that in less than 240 years, it amounted to more than $2,500,000. And I asked myself if God would not make a dollar “laid up” for Him grow as fast as it would under the regular laws of commerce.”
5087 Interest On Widow’s Mite
It is estimated that if the widow’s mite had been deposited at the “First National Bank, Jerusalem” to draw four percent interest semi-annually, the fund today would total $4,800,000,000,000,000,000,000. If a bank on earth could multiply the widow’s mite to such an astronomical figure, think what treasures this dedicated woman will have in heaven where “moth and rust doth not corrupt.”
5088 Making $1 Last
$1 spent for lunches lasts five hours.
$1 spent for gas lasts for a few miles.
$1 spent for a single wave lasts for a few days.
$1 spent for stockings lasts for a few weeks.
$1 spent for a hat lasts for a season or two.
$1 spent for a home lasts for generations …
But $1 spent for Christian service will last for eternity!
5089 God’s Pay
Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,
However long may seem the day,
However weary be the way;
Though powers and princes thunder “Nay,”
Who does God’s work will get God’s pay.
He does not pay as others pay,
In gold or land or raiment gay;
In goods that vanish and decay;
But God in wisdom knows a way,
And that is sure, let come what may,
Who does God’s work will get God’s pay.
—Selected
5090 God’s Or Devil’s Wages
Billy Bray was once preaching with great effect to a large congregation, principally miners. In that neighbourhood there were two mines, one very prosperous and the other quite the reverse, for the work was hard and the wages low. He represented himself as working at the mine but on the “pay-day” going to the prosperous one for his wages.
But had he not been at work at the other mine, the manager inquired. He had, but he liked the wages at the good mine the best. He pleaded very earnestly, but in vain. He was dismissed at last, with the remark, from which there was no appeal, that he must come there to work if he came there for his wages.
And then he turned upon the congregation, and the effect was almost irresistible, that they must serve Christ here if they would share His Glory hereafter; but if they would serve the devil now, to him they must go for their wages by-and-by,
—The King’s Son
5091 Way Of Everlasting Things
No child of God need ever “kill time.” That ought to be an occupation limited to children of death, not children of life. Dr. Schofield has said that a Jewish rabbi once called his attention to the meaning of the Hebrew in Psalm 139:24: “See if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
The rabbi pointed out that the Hebrew means not “the everlasting way,” but “the way of everlasting things.” In other words, Dr. Schofield believes this is a prayer which says in effect: “Lord, enable me to have to do with things that will last, and not fritter away my time on things that are only of transitory value.” Perhaps we need to bring our daily living, especially some of our “odd minutes,” to the test of the Psalmist.
5092 72 Heavenly Wives
Every Mohammedan according to the Koran who lives a righteous life on earth will receive eternal rewards befitting a king when he dies and goes to Paradise. There, after a feast of 300 courses, he will be endowed forever with the health and vigor of a young man and then given a palace with 80,000 servants and 72 gorgeous wives possessed of perpetual youth and beauty, whose virginity is renewable at pleasure. Moreover, if an offspring is desired, it will grow to full maturity in an hour.
5093 Queen Keeps His Business
It is related that Elizabeth I of England once commissioned a rich merchant prince of her empire, to go on an important mission for the crown, promising him rich rewards for his services. The merchant sought to decline the appointment on the grounds that his business would suffer during his absence, but his sovereign assured him: “You go and look after my business, and I will look after yours.” On his return, he found that his queen had kept her promise: he was a richer man than he was before.
—Marilyn McClurg
5094 Queen Walked On His Cloak
When Sir Walter Raleigh spread his beautiful new cloak over the mud that Queen Elizabeth might walk dry-shod, he had shrewdness enough to know that nothing is lost that is given to royalty. Indeed, in a very true sense, it is impossible really to deny one’s self for our King. His return is so swift and so vastly in excess of what we give. But it is the heart of self-sacrifice that He wants.
—Russel Sewall
5095 Man Who Worked The Chimes
A traveler had heard so much of the wonderful chimes of St. Nicholas in Amsterdam that one day he went up into the tower of the church to hear them. There he found a man hard at work before an immense keyboard, thumping and pounding the keys with his hands encased in wooden gloves.
The traveler was almost deafened by the rattle of the blows on the keys and the harsh discordant clangor of the bells above his head, and hurried away wondering why people talked so much of the beautiful chimes of St. Nicholas.
The next day at the same hour he was in a distant part of the city sight-seeing when suddenly the air was filled with the mellow music of marvelously clear and full-toned bells.
“We hear the chimes of St. Nicholas,” said the guide in answer to this question, and the man wondered no longer why travelers spoke enthusiastically of their melody. But he thought of the man in the tower, and wondered if he ever knew how beautiful his hard work became in the distance.
5096 “I was There” Medal
After a certain famous battle, Napoleon once gave all his soldiers a simple medal. It was inscribed with the name of the battlefield and the words, “I was there.” Everyone, regardless of rank, got the same recognition. Money could not buy from these veterans the memorial which honored them for their participation in that great battle.
5097 The 45-Year Christmas Card
Old Mr. and Mrs. Cooper invited the writer to their home for Christmas dinner at Winona Lake, Indiana. Underneath their Christmas tree—and prominently displayed—was a red cardboard with some clippings of the three wise men and “Merry Christmas” pasted on it. I was told that the worn cardboard was 45 years old and had been placed under the tree every CHRISTMAS. The story:
The Cooper’s only son had made that Christmas card in school for his Daddy. And on his way home, some bad boys were going to tear it up. Although not used to fighting, he took off his coat and fought them off for this gift to his Dad. The Coopers never knew until a neighbor who saw it told them.
And so, in deep appreciation as only parents can know, that worn-out card (with scotch tapes on various places) had been set in front of all other presents for nearly half-a-century underneath their Christmas tree.
5098 Best-Paid Work
The 1971 Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali (Cassius Clay) fight gave each fighter $2.5 million—whether anyone comes to see it or not. As Life magazine put it, it was “the most money ever paid to any man for a maximum 45 minutes’ work.”
5099 Listing The A-Students
Every year since 1964, St. Louis has paid homage to the metropolitan area’s honor students. Last July the St. Louis Post-Dispatch used four full pages to print the names of 14,554 straight-A students. They were guests of the newspaper and the St. Louis Cardinals at eight games that featured massive signs reading: “The Post-Dispatch and Redbirds Join in Saluting Our Scholars. Keep Up the Good Work.”
5100 Queen’s Crown Jewels
The crown of Queen Elizabeth II has 2,783 diamonds, 277 pearls, 18 saphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies—all priceless gems; but many of the saints of God will wear crowns of far greater value.
—The Bible Friend
5101 Spending $2M In Her Mind
Helene Michel, a 24-year-old secretary in New York, was rewarded $25 for returning a check for $2,803, 914.75 which she found in a Wall Street parking lot. On finding the check, Miss Michel immediately began spending it—in her mind. But a spokesman for the bank on which the check was drawn said she couldn’t have cashed it anyway since it was payable to a company.
5102 Pres. Hoover Pays Back
There were once two boys working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got low and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital, and devote the profits to their board and tuition. The pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of $2,000. The boys proceeded to stage the concert, but the proceeds totaled only $1,600. The boys sought the great artist and told him of their efforts. They gave him the entire $1,600 and a promissory note for $400, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment. “No, boys, that won’t do.” Then, tearing the note, he returned the money to the boys, and said, Now take out of the $1,600 all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest.”
The years rolled by. The war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the thousands of his beloved Poland. There was only one in the world who could help Paderewski. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Premier. After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him. “That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski,” was Mr. Hoover’s reply. “Besides you don’t remember how you helped me once when I was a student at college, and I was in a hole.”
—Gospel Herald
5103 She Said And She Did
Melvin Hoover worked 50 years as butler in the Louis Mendelssohn family. In Evelyn Mendelssohn’s will, he was bequeathed $100,000.
Hoover came to Detroit because his uncle, then a gardener for the Mendelssohns, had found a job for him. Hoover began working in the family’s garden and stayed with them when they moved to a three-story mansion on Lake St. Clair.
“She said she’d take care of me, and she did,” Hoover said.
5104 Two Kinds Of Repayments
In Merced, California, an Air Force sergeant who befriended a crippled widow is heir to an Alaskan mining claim worth about forty million dollars. Sgt. Thomas L. Howlett continues to serve as a jet bomber airman at $480.00 a month. “Money has never meant much to me. However, I’m going to use some of the money to build a church and endow an orphanage.”
How different the response to kindness in Wenzvilled, Missouri. Highway Patrolmen sought two men who repaid the kindheartedness of John Smith, farmer, near Foristell, by robbing him of $4,778. Smith reported that the men, whom he had permitted to live at his farm for two weeks, bound him in his home, took the money which he received two days before from the sale of a piece of property, and fled in an automobile.
—Robert G. Lee
5105 Dr. Kelly Pays In Full
Years ago I attended an evangelistic meeting and heard an illustration which had deeply impressed me down through the years. This illustration is told again by Walter B. Knight in the November 15, 1958, issue of the Gospel Herald. He said, “Dr. Howard A. Kelly was a renowned physician and surgeon, and, withal, a devout, practicing Christian. During the summer holidays when in medical school Dr. Kelly sold books to help with expenses. Becoming thirsty, he stopped one day at a farmhouse for a glass of water. A girl came to the door. When he asked for a glass of water, she sweetly said, “I will give you a glass of milk if you wish!” He drank the cool, refreshing milk heartily.
“The years passed. Dr. Kelly graduated from medical school, and became the chief surgeon in the Johns Hopkins Hospital. A patient, one day, was admitted to the great hospital. She was from the rural area and was seriously ill. She was given special care, being placed in a private room with a private nurse. The skilled chief surgeon spared no effort to make the patient well. After undergoing surgery, she convalesced rapidly.
“One day, she was told by the head nurse, “Tomorrow you will go home!” Though her joy was great, it was somewhat lessened by the thought of the large bill she must owe the hospital and surgeon. She asked for it. The nurse said, “I will bring it to you!” She brought the itemized bill. With a heavy heart, the patient began to read the different items from the top downward. She sighed. But as her eyes lowered, she saw the following notation at the bottom of the large bill: “Paid in full with one glass of milk!” It was signed: “Howard A. Kelly, M. D.””
5106 Highest-Paid Executives
New York (AFP)—The highest-paid American corporation executive in the United States in 1975 earned almost $1 million.
Pal Hofmann, president of Johnson and Johnson, the largest manufacturer of medical supplies in the United States, took home the biggest pay check in 1975 with a total of $978,000 in salary and other benefits.
The president of General Motors, traditionally the highest salaried executive in the US, slipped to second place with $938,000.
Henry Ford and his deputy at Ford Motors, shared third place with paychecks totalling $879,000 each.
Of oil company executives, the highest paid was John Jamieson, in 10th place with a mere $621,000 per year.
5107 Actress Got Paid For No Work
Actress Shirley MacLaine was given a handsome handout of $800,000 for doing nothing. She did not even appear in court. The judge awarded a summary judgment against the Century-Fox Corporation for breach of contract. Shirley MacLaine had been contracted last summer for a production that was to net her $800,000 for her work. The production later had to be abandoned. She was offered an alternate picture at equal pay, but refused. “The judge agreed she was not obliged to accept a role in another picture.” Rather than work on another picture the actress preferred $800,000 without working.
It might be argued that she was hindered by contract from making other money. Perhaps the poor lassie was a bit handicapped financially during those ten weeks, but she did not do too badly as it turned out. She got $100,000 a week—doing nothing. The President of the United States works like a slave for a whole year to earn what Shirley MacLaine got in one week—doing nothing.
But isn’t that how we are going to feel in heaven?
5108 Two Great Generals
A beautiful story is told of two great generals of the Civil War. During General Sherman’s last campaign in the South, certain changes in commanders were made. General Howard was placed at the head of a special division. Soon after this, the war closed, and there was to be a grand review of the army in Washington.
The night before the review, General Sherman sent for General Howard and said:
“The political friends of the officer whom you succeeded are determined that he shall ride at the head of the corps, and I want you to help me out.”
“It is my command,” said General Howard, “and I am entitled to ride at its head.”
“Of course you are,” replied General Sherman. “You led those men through Georgia and the Carolinas; but, Howard, you are a Christian, and can stand the disappointment.”
“If you put it on that ground,” replied General Howard, “there is but one answer: Let him ride at the head of the corps.”
“Yes, let him have the honor,” replied General Sherman, “but you will report to me at nine o’clock, and will ride by my side at the head of the entire army.”
General Howard protested, but his commander’s orders were positive. So on that day, in the grand review, he had a place of honor at the head of the whole army.
—Classmate
5109 Artist Repays His Host
Paul Verones, like many other painters, was given to eccentric moods and odd habits. On one occasion he accepted the hospitality of a family at their beautiful country villa. He assumed great liberties during his visit, claiming absolute possession of his room, allowing not even a servant to enter. He would not suffer the maid to make his bed and the sweepings of the room were left every morning outside the door for her to remove. He slipped away without bidding the family good-bye.
On entering the room, the servant found the sheets of the bed missing and at once reported that the painter must have stolen them. After careful search a roll was found in a corner, which proved to be a magnificent picture, Alexander in the Tent of Darius. It was painted on the missing sheets of the bed and the artist had chosen this curious way of recompensing his hosts for their generous hospitality.
—The Epoch
5110 The Award And A Hug
On January 17, 1951, at Oakland, California, Marine Sergeant Jack Macy received two awards for bravery. For rescuing three wounded men while under fire in Korea, he received the nation’s second highest military award: the Distinguished Service Cross. Another award, which was not scheduled in the ceremony, was a bear hug of gratitude and comradeship from one of the men Macy rescued, Private Aubrey Wilson of St. Joseph, Missouri, who happened to be in the hospital audience.
On August 8, 1950, Sergeant Macy’s platoon fell back in bitter fighting. He noticed three men were missing. Back he went to the battlefield, where under fire he dressed their wounds and carried them to safety. With bullets striking his canteen and his helmet, Macy carried Wilson on his shoulder for 600 yards. Wilson recognized his rescuer. In his joy and gratitude, he gave Macy a hug after the hero received the Distinguished Service award.
5111 From Fame To Welfare
In 1925 the Italian Freighter, Ignazio Florio, was sinking in mid-Atlantic. The United States liner, President Harding, arrived on the scene at the eleventh hour. But the sea was too rough and the ship was in such sore distress that it was too late to think of getting a line aboard her. It was necessary for a boat’s crew to volunteer to take a lifeboat over the giant waves and save the thirty-eight men aboard the Italian freighter. The first American sailor to volunteer for the arduous job was Salvatore Bracco. Well, that was fine. He got five medals and an illuminated scroll describing his heroism. He received it from the hands of Mussolini himself.
In January 1929, another Italian ship, the Florida, was foundering off the Virginia Capes. Along came the famous Captain Fried in the United States liner, America. Again there was the call for volunteers. Again the first to respond was Salvatore Bracco. Once again he got honors in abundance. New York City give him a reception. So did his hometown, Union City, New Jersey. Uncle Sam decorated him with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Italy handed out two medals and he got seven others from various American sources.
After that the world forgot Salvatore Bracco. His heart went bad on him, and it was impossible for him to go to sea anymore. Ashore he could get no job. All his savings went. The people who had once cheered him paid no attention. His wife and little son were starving. He had to go on relief. For himself, his wife, his son, the one-time hero got seven-and-a-half dollars a week. Fifteen medals and seven-dollars-and-a-half a week!
Then he died, and everybody said, “What a pity!” Union City buried him with military honors. High officials of the American Merchant Marine were in the funeral procession.
I think the bitter irony of that story is too plain to need any comment.
5112 Principle Of Immediate Reward
Years ago Gerald Stanley Lee told about an American employer in Mexico who was driven almost crazy by the dilatory actions of his workmen on a construction job. They were paid a daily wage to wheel loads of dirt to a dump. They worked as if engaged in a slow race.
When he figured out what it was worth to haul and dump, he paid each workman for each wheelbarrow load dumped. After that he had trouble keeping the men from working themselves to death.
All this employer did was to give recognition to the truth that the lower in the scale of intelligence men are, the closer to their work must be placed the reward for that work.
5113 Envious Of Nobler Toscanini
At a Verdi festival of which Arturo Toscanini was scheduled to conduct several of the concerts, an envious rival was approached to take one of the other performances.
“I will,” he agreed, “on one condition … if you will pay me one lira more than Toscanini receives.”
His request was granted and after the concert this conductor received his check—for one lira?
Toscanini had conducted without charge in homage to Verdi.
5114 Children’s “Under Ten” Reward
When the pianist Josef Hofmann was nine years old he played before the German Emperor, sharing the program with another pianist.
When the concert was over, the Master of Ceremonies approached Hofmann’s father and handed him an envelope containing two hundred marks. Since the elder Hofmann had noticed that the other artist had received four hundred marks he politely asked the Master of Ceremonies why his son was not also rewarded in like measure.
“It’s Court custom,” replied the Master of Ceremonies. “Children under ten—half price.”
5115 In French Paper, No Honors Allowed
Honors of any sort are taboo at Le Canard Enchaine, the French satirical newspaper. Once a writer made the mistake of showing up for work wearing the Legion of Honor. The editor took one horrified look and fired him on the spot. “But,” the writer stammered, “I didn’t ask for it. They gave it to me.” Said the editor, “Well, you shouldn’t have done anything to deserve it.”
—Time
5116 More Than His Earthly Life
One of the most eloquent and powerful of American Colonial preachers was James Waddel, the blind preacher of Virginia, whose eloquence is celebrated in one of the most beautiful pieces of American prose, William Wirt’s British Spy.
When this blind Boanerges lay dying, one of his friends, about to leave him after a visit, expressed the wish that when he came to die he would have back of him, for his own comfort in such an hour, the record of a godly life like that of Waddel. At that, Waddel lifted his hand in protest and declared that if his only comfort were the thoughts of the life which he had lived, he would be wretched indeed.
—C. E. Macartney
5117 Epigram On Rewards
• The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
—William James
• “You can’t take your money with you—but you can send it on ahead.”
• In an antique-shop window: “There’s no present like the past.”
• Old men are always advising young men to save money. That is bad advice. Don’t save every nickle. Invest in yourself. I never saved a dollar until I was 40 years old.
—Henry Ford
See also: Heaven ; Judgment ; Rapture ; Stewardship.