many years the world famous “Payday” candy bar was made in Centralia, IL. One could smell the aroma of roasting peanuts and confectionary ingredients for blocks. They no longer make “Paydays” in Centralia. I miss the aroma! I also miss the size and quality of that candy bar. Give me my “Payday”!

One day there will be the ultimate payday for every human being – the small, the great, the rich, poor, the wicked, and the righteous – they all have a payday coming. The righteous judge and paymaster, the Eternal King – God Almighty – will render to each individual what is due them. “Because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31 NKJV). “This will happen on the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16 NKJV). “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” (II Timothy 4:1, 8 NKJV).

How can we be assured of a joyful and rewarding payday when we stand before the Lord and judge of all?

First – we need PARDON. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God) but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). When Jesus died on the cross between two criminals – the penitent thief cried out to Jesus to remember him. Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). What a payday for those who repent and confess Christ as Savior and Lord!

Second – PATIENCE is required to receive God’s sure reward. The young man in McDonald’s had to learn patience to receive his paycheck. “For you have need of patience that after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36). “I know your works, your labor, and your patience . . . to him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:2,7).

Third – PRODUCTIVE believers will be richly rewarded by the Lord on that great and final payday. But God’s rewards are not based on success but sacrifice, not on one’s finesse but faithfulness. “His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV). (Revelation 20:12)

Fourth – the PROMISE of a rewarding payday is for all who overcome through faith and obedience to Christ. “He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he will be my son” (Revelation 21:6-7).

Be assured – payday is coming!