You Are Not Forgotten

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12)

One of those very special heart-touching moments happened to me recently, beloved.  A military retiree came up to me and handed me a small clear plastic envelope containing a business-sized card and a white embroidered star clearly cut from an American flag.  The card explained that the star came from a flag that had flown over someone's home until worn and tattered and in need of replacement.  A local veterans organization had rescued the flag among others and had separated the stars into keepsake bags to hand out to veterans like me.  The card's message concluded with these words:

"Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.  Thank you for your service."

You can be sure that I will keep and treasure this memento, beloved!  I am as honored to carry a star from Old Glory as I am to have served my country over which she waved.

As a follower of Jesus Christ I have His assurance as well that those who serve Him faithfully are not forgotten.  He has promised that one day He will return for us and that He will have with Him heaven's reward for faithful service.  Even now you and I through faithful obedience are "laying up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20).  Every life that we touch in His name, every act of service in meeting a need, every encouraging word prompted by His Spirit within, all are being noted by Him and will be rewarded.

So take heart, fellow pastor!  Cheer up, stalwart youth worker!  Stay strong, child of God!  You are not forgotten!  I am so thankful for that scrap of flag that was given to me.  And I am eternally grateful for the assurance we all have from our Lord that in our service for His name's sake we are not forgotten.

Ron