We cherish photos of loved ones. I have photos of ancestors in various settings, but some of my favorites are of my father working in his garden. Gardening was a passion, and he did it well. Not only was our family fed from his labor, but many friends and neighbors also benefited from it.
Maria Pulsone worked many years as a seamstress for Kozinn & Sons Tailors in New York City. About 40 years ago her employer chose her to be the subject of a sculpture showing her at work. The sculpture sat in the lobby of the firm for many years until one day it was gone. Maria said she figured it had been taken to the dump.
Recently her granddaughter decided to use the Internet to search for the sculpture. Within a short time, it was located in Scranton, PA, and it was for sale! The purchase was made, and Maria, now 95 years old, was present for its unveiling at the soon-to-be-opened Italian American Museum in New York. As you might imagine, she was happy to see that the sculpture would continue to honor the labor she and many other women had invested in clothing. Their service will not be forgotten.
Joseph had been accused of a crime he hadn’t committed, and was thrown into a jail in Egypt, far from his home and family. Joining him in prison were the king’s butler and baker, and both came to Joseph with dreams each had. His interpretation of the butler’s dream was favorable; he would soon be restored to his position. How much did Joseph charge for his interpretation? “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison” (Genesis 40:14). But for more than two years the butler forgot Joseph.
Could that happen with God? Many of us are devoted to serving Him, giving Him our best. But with so many others trying to please Him, might God also forget His servants? Surely out of millions of servants it is to be expected that some will be overlooked, right?
If you believe God’s word, I have good news for you. Hebrews 6:10 teaches us to let go of such worries about God forgetting us. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” People often forget things despite their best efforts. God never forgets. Ever.
The apostle Paul clung to this assurance: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). God will remember all service given to Him.
The Bible doesn’t mention any photographs in heaven, showing us serving others in the name of the Lord. Neither are we told of any sculptures of us at work. However He does it, though, God keeps track of all that we do, and those who entrust their lives to Him will be rewarded. No one will be forgotten. “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2024, Timothy D. Hall