Aug. 19
REWARD FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
"So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the
righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth" Ps 58:11
God's judgments in this life are not always clearly to be seen, for
in many cases one event happeneth alike to all. This is the state of
probation, not of punishment or reward. Yet at times God works
terrible things in righteousness, and even the careless are compelled
to own His hand.
Even in this life righteousness has that kind of
reward which it prefers above all others, namely, the smile of God,
which creates a quiet conscience. Sometimes other recompenses follow,
for God will be in no man's debt. But, at the same time, the chief
reward of the righteous lies in the hereafter.
Meanwhile, on a large scale, we mark the presence of the great
Ruler among the nations. He breaks in pieces oppressive thrones, and
punishes guilty peoples. No one can study the history of the rise and
fall of empires without perceiving that there is a power which makes
for righteousness, and, in the end, brings iniquity before its bar,
and condemns it with unsparing justice. Sin shall not go unpunished,
and goodness shall not remain unrewarded. The Judge of all the earth
must do right. Therefore, let us fear before Him, and no more dread
the power of the wicked.