Missions Blog

I have returned home from Europe with a plethora of Christian literature. One of the first books I have picked up is a book of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons. He is known as the Prince of Preachers, and after reading my first full sermon of his, I can see why. My trip to Europe was a discouraging one for me in many ways and his words on Paul: His Cloak and His Books encourage me.

Once more; he not only triumphs in the present, but he is in expectation of a crown. When the Grecian wrestler had fought a good fight, a crown was presented to him; and so Paul, who writes about the old cloak, also writes—”Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” When I was picturing Paul, and talking of the poverty of many believers—”Ah,” said the sinner, “Who would be a Christian? Who would suffer so much for Christ? Who would lose everything as Paul did?” Worldly minds here are thinking—”What a fool, to be led away by such an excitement!” Ah! but see how the tables have turned! “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown!” What if he had been robed in scarlet, had rolled in wealth, and been great, and there had been no crown for him in heaven, no joy hereafter, but a fearful looking for of judgment? See, he springs from his dungeon to his throne. Nero may cut off his head, but that head shall wear a starry crown. Courage, then, ye that are down-trodden, afflicted, and despairing, be of good cheer, for the end will make up for the way, and all the roughness of the pilgrimage will be well recompensed by the glory which shall await all those who are resting upon Christ Jesus.

I often need to be reminded that this life is not all there is. Eternity is coming and earthly sacrifice is worth it.
We have a crown awaiting us, while others having only a fearful expectation of a fiery judgement. Praise the Lord Jesus for leaving us a great a wonderful hope. What a wonderful Savior we have! Nate Saint also said something very relevant along these same lines. He said,

“And people who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives… and when the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.”

How true Mr. Saint. Praise be to God that he gave the ultimate sacrifice and has a martyr’s welcome in eternity. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.

Mr. Spurgeon is a very quotable individual. You can read all of his sermons at www.spurgeon.org.