What does "My reward is with Me" reveal about Jesus' judgment? Revelation 22:12—The Promise in Plain Sight “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to repay each one according to what he has done.” Seven Truths Wrapped Up in “My Reward Is with Me” • Already-prepared: the recompense is not being decided later; it travels with the Returning King. • Personally-held: no intermediary distributes it—Jesus Himself carries and dispenses it. • Comprehensive: “each one” includes every believer and unbeliever without exception. • Deed-based: the standard is “what he has done,” matching Romans 2:6; not random, not partial. • Dual-sided: for the faithful it is crowns and inheritance (2 Timothy 4:8); for the rebellious it is wrath (Revelation 20:15). • Echoed prophecy: Isaiah 40:10; 62:11 foretold the same phrase, underscoring continuity between Testaments. • Imminent certainty: “I am coming soon” joins Matthew 16:27 in urging watchful living. Authority Underscored by Old and New Testament Harmony • Isaiah 40:10—“His reward is with Him” • Isaiah 62:11—“See, His reward is with Him” • Matthew 16:27—“then He will repay each person” • 2 Corinthians 5:10—“each one may receive his due” Together they reveal one consistent Judge, one unchanging standard, and one inevitable day. The Personal Nature of Jesus’ Judgment • He searches “hearts and minds” (Revelation 2:23). • He knows every hidden motive (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Because He is omniscient, the verdict is perfectly just—no appeal, no mistrial. Encouragement for Believers • Faithful service is never overlooked; “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Crowns of righteousness, life, and glory await (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4). • The nearness of His reward fuels endurance, generosity, and holiness. Warning for the Unrepentant • “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23); the same hands that give crowns also cast judgment. • Delay does not mean dismissal; His reward remains “with” Him, ready for the appointed hour. • Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2); tomorrow may unveil the irreversible verdict. Living Ready for the Reward • Cultivate works that follow faith (Ephesians 2:10). • Weigh choices by their eternal return; Jesus brings the result with Him. • Keep eyes fixed on “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), knowing His judgment is as certain as His resurrection. The phrase is simple, but its implications are sweeping: Jesus’ judgment is personal, immediate, just, and already prepared. He is coming soon, and He is bringing it with Him. |
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