His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” 
Matthew 25:22-23 (ESV) 

Some time ago my son-in-law and I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to visit the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. On the third floor of the Hall there are exhibits listing the names of the inductees and the year they were inducted. No doubt for the inductees and even for those who follow college football it is a great honor to have your name listed among the most outstanding players of college football. 

As I read through the names of the inductees there were many that I recognized; ones I guess I would classify as the “more famous” players. However, there are a vast number of names listed in those exhibits of which I have never heard. Regardless if they are the “more famous” ones or not, each of the inductees, through dedication and hard work, earned the right to be listed in the Hall of Fame. 

In the book of Hebrews is a list of people who have been inducted into what has been called the Hall of Faith. There we find such names as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, Samson and David. These people have very recognizable names. They are the “more famous” of our Christian faith; known for their great exploits. Yet, there are others listed in the Hall of Faith whose names are not as famous as these. In fact, their names are not mentioned at all.

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.(Hebrews 11:35-38 ESV) 

It’s easy to forget about these people. They are listed in the Hall of Faith because their faith in God was equal to the faith of the “more famous” in the scriptures. Just like the “more famous” their faith was confirmed by their obedience to do what God had called them to. They did not love their own lives even unto death. 

Are we one of the “big guys” or one of the “little guys”? Receiving Jesus Christ and putting our trust in him gets our names in the Hall of Faith. And that faith is worked out by being obedient to God, doing good works and bearing fruit (James 2:17). We may not be famous in the world’s eyes or even the eyes of the Christian community, but we will not go unrecognized by God (Matthew 25:31-40). A great prize awaits the faithful. It is the joy of our master. 

Will you hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant”?

Scriptures for meditation:
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Corinthians 3:8
Ephesians 2:8
Philippians 2:12-13
Colossians 3:24
Titus 3:14

Copyright © 2020 Steve Pruitt/lovnJesus.com

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