In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream but forgets its details. He demands that his wise men not only interpret the dream but also tell him what the dream was—something humanly impossible. The magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers admit defeat:
Daniel 2:11 (NKJV): “It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
Their statement is both an admission of human limitation and a profound theological truth: divine revelation cannot come from man-made religion or demonic spirits but from the one true God.
The Babylonians were polytheists. Their worldview included a host of deities, spirits, and cosmic forces. When the magicians referred to “the gods who do not dwell with flesh,” they were likely referring to divine beings beyond their usual occult interactions—perhaps distant, unknowable gods.
Ironically, their statement points us directly to Yahweh (Jehovah), the God of the Bible, who:
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NKJV): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
The Bible consistently shows that pagan gods and demonic spirits have no real power:
Psalm 115:4–8 (NKJV): “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see… Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.”
These spirits often demand rituals, sacrifices, or physical tokens like hair or footprints to “reveal” information. This highlights their limitations—they are neither omniscient nor omnipresent. They rely on deceit and fear, and their knowledge is fragmented and earthly.
Job 1:7 (NKJV): “And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’”
Even Satan must roam to gather knowledge—unlike God, who knows all.
In contrast, the God of Israel revealed the forgotten dream to Daniel without human assistance:
Daniel 2:28 (NKJV): “But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets…”
Daniel did not consult stars, spirits, or sorcery. He prayed to the God of heaven, who answered:
Daniel 2:20–22 (NKJV): “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever… He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.”
This shows that revelation is a divine gift, not a result of mystical techniques.
Many still seek answers through astrology, ancestral rituals, witchcraft, and spirit mediums. But the Bible is clear: these paths are deceptive and dangerous.
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NKJV): “There shall not be found among you… one who practices witchcraft… or a medium or a spiritist… For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
Trusting in anything but God opens the door to spiritual bondage and destruction.
True hope lies only in Yahweh—the God who reveals mysteries, knows the future, and guides our lives:
Psalm 115:3 (NKJV): “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”
Unlike pagan gods, Jehovah needs no ritual, no offering, and no human mediation to act or reveal truth. He speaks directly through His Word and His Spirit.
God alone is sovereign, wise, and trustworthy. Let us not place our faith in powerless idols or deceptive spirits. Instead, let us turn to the God of Daniel, who knows our hearts and holds our future.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Amen.
In the Bible, a centurion was a Roman military officer, typically in charge of a group of 100 soldiers. The term “centurion” comes from the Latin word centuria, meaning “a group of 100.” Centurions were appointed to their positions either through direct selection by Roman authorities or earned promotion after many years of service—often around 15 to 20 years. They were responsible for maintaining order in the army, leading soldiers in battle, and executing law and order, including the execution of criminals.
Their roles were diverse: leading soldiers on the battlefield, overseeing military training, managing fortifications and walls for national defense, and guarding prisoners during transport. In Acts 23:23-24, we see a centurion ensuring the safety of the Apostle Paul during his journey to trial.
One key example of a centurion in the Bible is the one who oversaw the crucifixion of Jesus. He was responsible for ensuring that Jesus’ death was carried out according to Roman law. Upon witnessing Jesus’ final moments, the centurion acknowledged the truth of Jesus’ identity.
Mark 15:39 (NIV) “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!'”
While some centurions were harsh and corrupt, others exhibited faith and integrity that pleased God. This presents an important theological truth: God’s judgment is not based on one’s position or role but on the heart’s faithfulness to Him.
Lessons from Centurions in the Bible
Although the role of a centurion in the Roman military might not seem directly connected to God’s glory, there are examples of centurions whose faith and actions demonstrated a strong relationship with God.
One remarkable centurion was the one who approached Jesus in Capernaum. His unwavering faith in Jesus’ power to heal his servant was so extraordinary that Jesus commended him, declaring that He had not found such faith in all of Israel.
Matthew 8:5–11 (NIV) 5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” 7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
In this passage, the centurion understood authority in a way that made him recognize the divine authority of Jesus. His faith was not in what Jesus could physically do but in Jesus’ ability to heal with just a word. Theologically, this highlights the significance of faith in Jesus’ authority and power, which is central to the Christian doctrine of salvation. Jesus’ response, that many would come from the east and west to sit with the patriarchs in heaven, points to the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where faith, not ethnicity or religious background, is the determining factor for entrance into God’s eternal kingdom.
Another centurion who is significant in the New Testament is Cornelius. He was a devout man who gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly. His faith led to a divine encounter with an angel, who instructed him to send for Peter, resulting in his household receiving the message of salvation.
Acts 10:1–2 (NIV) 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Cornelius’ story underscores that God values actions that demonstrate faith and love for others. Even though Cornelius was not a Jew, God responded to his faith and actions by sending him the message of salvation through Peter. Theologically, Cornelius’ story is a testament to God’s grace and the universality of the gospel—salvation is offered to all who seek God with a sincere heart, regardless of their cultural or ethnic background.
What Does God Want Us to Learn from This?
From these examples, it is clear that God does not focus on the specific role or position a person holds but rather on their faith, heart, and obedience to Him. Whether someone works in government, military, or any other field, God looks at their integrity and how they serve Him in that role.
Daniel 6:3-4 (NIV) Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
Daniel is a perfect example of someone who faithfully served in a secular government position while remaining loyal to God. Despite the pressures of his position, he did not compromise his faith. His story illustrates that we can serve God in any role, as long as we live with integrity, reject corruption, and uphold God’s standards of justice and righteousness.
Ultimately, God desires our faithfulness and integrity, no matter where we serve. We may not always be in positions of high authority, but we can serve God with sincerity and live out His truth in our lives. By doing so, God will use us to fulfill His purpose for our lives and His greater mission on earth.
1 Peter 2:15 (NIV) For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
May God bless you.
Praise the Lord Jesus! Welcome back to this series exploring the different rewards God has promised and the criteria He will use to give them. We’ve already looked at several key principles in the past parts, and today we continue with Part Five.
God has promised to give great authority to those who serve Him faithfully while here on earth.
Let’s look at a parable Jesus shared to understand this better:
Luke 19:12–26 (NIV) 12 “He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.” 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’”
This parable speaks clearly for itself. When the Lord gives you a measure of grace or responsibility here on earth, He expects you to use it and multiply it faithfully.
For example, if He’s given you the grace to clean the church compound, He expects you to go above and beyond making sure the toilets are clean, the windows are spotless, and the chairs are always in order.
Why? Because when He returns, He’ll evaluate what He entrusted you with and how well you managed it. If you viewed your task as unimportant and neglected it, He may ask, “If sweeping felt too beneath you, couldn’t you have hired someone to do it, rather than leave My house untidy and overgrown?”
Just like He said to the servant who hid the money, “Why didn’t you at least put it in the bank so I could get interest when I returned?”
That’s how He will evaluate each of us.
But if we’re faithful with what He’s given us—even if it seems small—and we put in the effort to do even more, then know this: your faithfulness today will determine your authority in God’s Kingdom tomorrow. If God rewards with cities, your rulership over those cities will match the level of your faithfulness now.
This should encourage us to serve the Lord wholeheartedly without making excuses, without looking down on any task, and striving to go above and beyond wherever we can. It’s those “little things” that will ultimately measure the riches of our reward.
May the Lord bless you as you serve Him faithfully.
This is an important question that every Christian should understand clearly, especially in the context of spiritual warfare and our relationship with God.
The Bible does not teach anywhere that Satan has the power to read human thoughts. That ability belongs only to God.
1 Kings 8:39 (NIV) says: “Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart).”
Only God knows the secrets of the heart. Even angels, despite their power and presence in the spiritual realm, are not described in Scripture as having the ability to access human thoughts.
Satan, though a powerful fallen angel, is not omniscient (all-knowing). He is a created being with limitations. He cannot “hack” into your mind or perceive your inner thoughts unless you express them through words or actions.
Though Satan cannot read our minds, he is an expert observer. He has studied human behavior for thousands of years—since the time of Adam and Eve.
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) warns: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Like a skilled hunter, he watches for patterns, weaknesses, and tendencies. Just as you might guess what someone is thinking based on their body language or past behavior, Satan makes calculated assumptions. He sees our reactions to situations, hears our words, and draws conclusions. This is not mind-reading—it’s strategic manipulation.
Here’s the good news: Satan cannot easily read or predict the actions of someone who is truly born again through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in John 3:8 (NIV): “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
This means that a person led by the Holy Spirit doesn’t follow a predictable path based on human patterns. The Holy Spirit brings transformation, wisdom, and discernment that baffle Satan’s strategies. What the enemy thinks will defeat you may actually strengthen you.
Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) promises: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn…”
In contrast, someone who has not been born again is more susceptible to fear, manipulation, and spiritual attacks. Satan can plant lies and fuel fear through circumstances, dreams, or even through other people.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
A person without the Holy Spirit lacks this divine anchor, and therefore is more easily moved by threats, temptations, or discouragement.
This leads to the most crucial question: Have you been born again by the Spirit of God?
Jesus said clearly in John 3:3 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Being born again means turning away from sin, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It’s not just a church affiliation or outward behavior—it is a supernatural change of heart and spirit.
Satan is real, and he is active—but his power is limited, especially over those who belong to Christ.
James 4:7 (ESV) tells us: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When we walk in the Spirit, Satan’s strategies lose their grip. He may try to attack, but he will fail. The more we yield to God, the more unpredictable—and victorious—our lives become in the spiritual realm.
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!
Please share this message with others. These are truths every believer should know.
Greetings to you in the most powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome once again as we continue our study of God’s Word. We’re still exploring the topic of God’s various rewards and the standards He uses to give them. This is Part 4.
Jesus spoke to a Pharisee who had invited Him to a banquet and shared this powerful teaching:
Luke 14:12–14 (NIV) Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:15 (NIV) When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
If you’re a believer who has been saved, don’t forget to care for those in need. Use what God has blessed you with to help the poor and vulnerable. Why? Because there is a great reward in heaven waiting for those who remember the needy—especially on that day when the Lord raises His chosen ones to give them their eternal rewards.
When you give, or when you host celebrations, don’t only include people who are well-off or who can return the favor. Go out of your way to invite or support those who have nothing to offer in return. Don’t limit your generosity to those who have helped you—extend it to those who can’t. In doing so, you’re storing up real treasure in heaven.
The Apostle Paul was committed to this principle. After meeting with the apostles, this is what he said:
Galatians 2:9–10 (NIV) James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
Do you see it? When we notice those who are struggling—the poor, the orphans, and those who are lacking—we should see that as our opportunity to earn great rewards in heaven. Let’s make every effort to help.
In heaven, our wealth won’t be measured by what we had on earth, but by what we did with it—especially acts of generosity like these. If everything we receive is spent only on ourselves or shared only with those like us, we are actually diminishing our eternal reward.
Giving doesn’t require us to be rich. Even if you have just a little—say 100 shillings—you can give 50 to help someone in need and still have enough for yourself. It’s the heart behind the giving that God rewards.
May the Lord help us see this clearly, and may we start today to remember and care for those in need.
God bless you.
Shalom. This is part three of a series of articles explaining the criteria God will use to reward His people and how He will welcome them into His kingdom. If you missed the earlier parts, please message me, and I’ll send you summaries.
3) The Bible shows that some people will enter God’s kingdom without even realizing why.
It’s remarkable that there’s a group of people who will be granted the grace to enter the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, without fully understanding the reason until Christ Himself reveals it on that day.
We read about this group in the following passage:
Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV): “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
This group represents Christ’s servants here on earth who did not realize that by serving others, they were serving Christ Himself. This passage isn’t about the poor or orphans in general, but about the saints those devoted to serving God who endured hardship like lack of food, clothing, illness, and homelessness. Some saw and helped these servants, unaware that in doing so, they were serving Christ.
On that day, these faithful servants will stand before Christ, and He will graciously grant them entry into His kingdom. This is similar to the example of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-12.
The Apostle Paul also prayed for mercy on behalf of a brother named Onesiphorus, recognizing how faithfully he cared for and supported him during his ministry:
2 Timothy 1:16-18 (ESV): “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
Similarly, there are those who see people seeking God as a burden. They mock, insult, and even drive them away. When these seekers ask for water, they are labeled lazy. True servants of God can be a nuisance to such people and on the final day, Christ will reject them.
What does this teach us? When we say we love Christ, we must also love those who love Him. If you hate the saints, how can you truly love Christ? There are people Christ will welcome because they showed love and kindness to His followers. And there are those He will reject because they refused to welcome Him in the form of others.
Shalom.
We’ve seen that on Judgment Day, some people will be rewarded just like those who have suffered their whole lives serving God. The reasons why God would do this are clear in Scripture. If you haven’t yet received the detailed explanation, send me a message or inbox me.
Now, let’s continue with the second criterion for God’s rewards, which we find in Matthew 24:44-51.
2) Some will be put in charge of all God’s work in heaven.
You might wonder: Does this mean there will be people who won’t be put in charge of God’s work on that day? The answer is yes. Let’s look directly at this passage to see the criteria Christ uses to give such a reward.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” — Matthew 24:44 (NIV)
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Matthew 24:45-51 (NIV)
In this passage, a master leaves his household and entrusts one servant to oversee and care for everyone. If the servant remains faithful—giving the people their food at the right time—he is blessed and will be put in charge of all the master’s possessions.
But if the servant assumes the master’s return will be delayed, he becomes lazy, abuses others, and indulges in selfish pleasures. When the master returns unexpectedly, the servant faces severe punishment.
Today, if you are a servant of God—whether you’re a pastor, prophet, teacher, apostle, worship leader, or anyone involved in building God’s kingdom—know that God wants to find you faithfully at work all the time. Whether He comes suddenly through death or the rapture, He wants to find you serving with integrity and diligence.
If you treat God’s work like a business—only showing up when you get paid, neglecting your congregation, refusing to teach, or avoiding preaching the gospel—you risk missing out on this kind of reward.
God’s work must be part of your life if you are truly called by Him. Don’t let unnecessary distractions or excuses get in the way of fulfilling your purpose.
If you stand firm in your calling, like the faithful servant who feeds the household at the right time, you will be entrusted with greater responsibility in the eternal kingdom to come.
In that glorious kingdom, there will be work and leadership roles. Starting now, God is looking for people who will faithfully lead His precious work in heaven. Those who prove faithful in their service here will be given these special roles.
So let’s wake up, shake off any complacency, and begin serving the Lord with fresh passion and dedication.
Praise the Lord Jesus! In this series, we’re going to explore the criteria God will use to reward His people once we reach eternity. Understanding these principles can stir up our passion for serving God—just like it did for the Apostle Paul, who wrote:
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
We’ll examine a few key passages that paint a picture of how God will distribute rewards.
At first glance, this may seem unfair. But Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 20:1–16, using a parable to explain the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s look at it:
Matthew 20:1–16 (NIV) “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Now, who are these people who will receive the same reward as those who’ve labored long and hard in God’s work?
Take a closer look: those who came in last weren’t working anywhere else beforehand. They weren’t lazy—they simply hadn’t been given the opportunity. When the landowner asked why they had been standing around all day, they said, “Because no one has hired us.”
This tells us something profound: there are people who haven’t yet encountered the grace of salvation. Perhaps they’ve lived long lives in ignorance—like someone from a completely unreached people group or another religion. Maybe they’re 80 years old when they finally hear the Gospel for the first time, truly believe, and surrender their life to Christ. From that moment on, they serve God with all their heart, maybe for only one year—then they pass away.
Or maybe someone gets saved at 20 and only lives until 22. They serve faithfully for two years and then die.
Should we be surprised if they receive the same reward as a lifetime missionary or a church leader? Not at all. When grace found them, their opportunity to serve was short—but they were faithful with what they had. Had they known Christ earlier, they would have served longer. God sees the heart and the potential.
If you’ve heard the message of grace today but continue to take it lightly—one day walking with Christ, and the next, back in sin—you are not stable. Don’t expect Christ to reward you if you die in such a spiritual condition.
Some of us were born into Christian homes. We know the truth. We understand that without salvation, there is no eternal life. So if someone like that refuses to live faithfully, don’t expect the same reward as the pagan who just got saved and died shortly after.
Jesus said clearly:
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” —Matthew 20:16 (NIV)
We are living in the last days. Don’t waste the grace God has extended to you. If you’ve been given more time, use it well. Serve Him with all your heart, because you’ll be held accountable for how you used your time and opportunities.
Stay faithful. Be watchful. And be encouraged—God is fair, and He is good.
Be blessed.
The Tent of Meeting, as described in the Old Testament, was a sacred space where God chose to dwell among His people and communicate with them. The Hebrew word for “meeting” implies a divine appointment — a place where God would “meet” with His people through His chosen servant, Moses (Exodus 29:42–43).
Exodus 29:42–43 (ESV):“It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory.”
The Tent of Meeting was a portable sanctuary, also called the Tabernacle, which the Israelites carried during their journey through the wilderness. It was built according to God’s precise instructions (Exodus 25–27) and symbolized God’s holy presence among His people.
Since the Israelites had not yet settled in the Promised Land, the tent had to be easily assembled and disassembled. It was placed outside the camp as a sign of God’s holiness and the need for reverence (Exodus 33:7).
Exodus 33:7 (ESV):“Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.”
Initially, only Moses had access to the Tent of Meeting, where he would speak with God “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). Later, after the priesthood was established, Aaron and his sons (the Levitical priests) were given specific duties within the Tabernacle under strict conditions.
Exodus 33:11 (ESV):“Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend…”
The visible sign of God’s presence was the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 40:38). When the cloud descended and rested at the entrance of the Tent, it signified that God had come to speak.
Exodus 40:34–35 (ESV):“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”
This visible presence is also known as the Shekinah glory—a term used in later Jewish writings to describe God’s manifest presence.
Numbers 12:6–8 (ESV):“Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision… Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles…”
As judgment, Miriam was struck with leprosy.
Numbers 16:19–21 (ESV):“Then Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, ‘Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.'”
The Tent of Meeting represents God’s desire to dwell among His people—but it also highlights the necessity of holiness, mediation, and obedience. Access to God’s presence required cleansing, sacrifice, and a mediator (Moses, and later, the priests).
This points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Mediator.
John 1:14 (ESV):“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory…”(Note: The Greek word for “dwelt” here literally means “tabernacled.”)
Jesus became the new meeting place between God and man—fulfilling what the Tent symbolized.
Hebrews 8:5 (ESV):“They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things… See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
Today, our “Tent of Meeting” is no longer a physical structure—it is the Word of God. Through the Scriptures, we meet with God, hear His voice, receive correction, comfort, and direction.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV):“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV):“For the word of God is living and active… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
As believers, we also become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Church is now God’s dwelling place (Ephesians 2:22).
The Tent of Meeting was a sacred place where God chose to reveal Himself to His people through Moses. It was a shadow of greater things to come—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ and revealed in the Word of God. Today, we encounter God not in a tent, but through His living Word and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Let us, therefore, seek Him daily through His Word, our modern “Tent of Meeting.”
Shalom!
Answer: No — there is no verse in the Bible that says the world will be folded up like paper and thrown into fire. The confusion comes from a verse in Isaiah 34:4 which describes cosmic judgment using strong imagery. That verse says:
“All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.”
Notice it mentions “the heavens” (the sky), not the earth or the world. And it uses a metaphor — “rolled up like a scroll” — not literally folding paper in our modern sense.
In ancient times, scrolls were rolled up when their message was complete. That image communicates that God’s current order of things will come to an end. It does not literally say the earth will be folded like paper and thrown into fire.
In the New Testament, similar imagery is used in Revelation and Matthew to describe signs associated with the end:
“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.”
This passage is part of a vision of judgment that uses symbolic language to describe cosmic upheaval. It says the heavens will recede like a scroll being rolled up — not that the earth will be folded like paper and thrown into fire.
“Immediately after the distress of those days… the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
Here Jesus describes the dramatic changes in the sky that will accompany His return — again emphasizing cosmic signs rather than literal folding of the planet or the earth being thrown into fire.