Life experience, moral and spiritual integrity and especially how one has treated the poor with whom Christ as Son of Man personally identifies will determine how one fares once Christ’s Kingdom is consummated. It will be a Kingdom in which the status of many will have altered475. As for the called, chosen and faithful disciples of Christ:
“He who overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him I will give power over the nations. “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels”. As I also have received from my Father; and I will give him the morning star”476
It is to be observed that whenever Jesus specified the nature of a reward for loyal service, it is nearly always expressed in terms of greater authority or responsibility477. Such applies to those who already have responsibility in the Church:
“Who then is the wise and trustworthy servant whom the Master placed over His Household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant if his Master’s arrival finds him doing exactly that. In truth I tell you, He will put him in charge of everything He owns”478
All who are to form part of the mystical Spouse of Jesus Christ must reasonably expect to share in His activities, which are bound to involve exercising authority:
“For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there
will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order and establish it with judgement and justice from that time forward, even for ever”479
The concept that the Jesus people are to judge, rule and enlighten others is not restricted to Old Testament prophecies, it is evident in the gospels, epistles and Revelation.
The qualities required for those who are already reconciled to God as His children are faithfulness, humility and self-discipline. That is why Jesus taught that it is next to impossible for the rich and powerful of this age to enter the Kingdom of God480 for they don’t have the 474 Lk6:24-25
475 Mk10:31
476 Rev2:26-28
477 E.g. Lk19:15-27; Lk22:28-29
478 Mt24:45-47
479 Is9:6-7
480 Mk10:25
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humility and, ironically in view of what I have disclosed, believe they have too much to lose.
Relatively few from the higher ranks of human society have come to gospel salvation. The weak and foolish of this world will put to shame the wise and mighty481 so that no one may boast in God’s presence.