Have you noticed societies attempt to be all-inclusive so no one ever feels left out? Everyone who runs the race gets an award…what is the incentive to try harder? That isn’t the way Father designed things. He has an extensive incentive package for those who win the victory. Every one of us are born into the battle. Father calls us to persevere–never give up. “Blessed are the reader and the hearers of the words of this prophecy, provided they obey the things written in it! For the time is near!” (Revelation 1:3)

Do you know the gifts that await you if you remain united with Jesus? The first thing I notice is, “the right to eat from the Tree of Life which is in God’s Gan-’Eden.” (Revelation 2:7) If we “remain faithful, even to the point of death,” we will be given life as our crown. (Revelation 2:10) We are also promised some of the hidden manna and a white stone. Do you wonder what is so special about a white stone? This particular white stone will have your new name on it–a name that is not only unique to you but you will be the first one to know it.

You will be given authority over nations and the morning star. The winner of the victory will be “dressed in white clothing; and I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life, in fact, I will acknowledge him individually before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5) “I will keep you from the time of trial coming upon the whole world.” (Revelation 3:10) 

As if all of this were not enough to keep us motivated, He promises to make us pillars in God’s Temple, which we will never have to leave. “Also I will write on him the name of my God and the name of my God’s city, the new Yerushalayim coming down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12) I must confess, I knew about the white stone and my new name but never realized until this that Jesus also receives a new name.

I mentioned recently that no one can offer a better retirement plan than Jesus. You can choose not to accept it but the Adversary’s after-life plan doesn’t appeal to me. Reach for the stars and retire in the luxury and presence of Royalty.