Here come da Judge...

2 Corinthians 5:10  "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."  (See also Rom 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10-13)

I laughingly remember a recurring comedy skit on the 1970's TV show, "Laugh In" in which Sammy Davis Jr. walked across the stage announcing, "Here come da judge, here come da judge; everybody look out 'cause here come da judge!"  His entrance never failed to produce a chuckle, but at the same time, in the back of my mind, it reminded me of an appointment I have with THE JUDGE.

Paul, in a way, is the precursor to the Sammy Davis Jr. character.  In several passages he forewarns us of an encounter each of us will have with Jesus.  The judgement seat he describes is not one of condemnation, but of rewards.  The Greek term pictures a raised platform in the stadium at the original Olympics games.  There the judge places a wreath on the head of the winning competitor.  It is ancient version of the medal ceremony we witnessed at last summer's Olympic Games in London.

When our time on this earth is completed, we will each stand before our Saviour and He will review our stewardship of the gifts and opportunities afforded us as Christians.  His piercing, all-knowing eyes will evaluate our motives, our attitudes, our priorities, our actions.  Only those things that have eternal significance will stand up under His scrutiny.   We will be rewarded based on how we have run the race.

Lord, please help me to tun the race this day in light of eternity.  I want to invest every moment as a wise steward.  Please help me to recognize opportunities and respond to them in such a way that it brings You honor and pleasure, and draws someone else closer to the Kingdom.  Amen.