Well Done?

August 21st, 2012 by Bob Bevington

Hundreds of us sat in Perry Carroscia’s memorial service and agreed. By now Perry had certainly heard it: Well done good and faithful servant.

It was a reassuring reminder. Perry’s decades of high-integrity living and exemplary service would be recognized by the One who knows all things. I was truly happy for him.

But then I thought about myself and “Well done” started a cascade of disturbing questions.

Could a person like me ever hear those words from Him?

I thought about the thief on the cross. He would be with Jesus in Paradise and that’s very reassuring. But did he hear, Well done?

The younger prodigal son turned toward home. He was lavished by the love of the father. I’ve experienced that, too. The joyful, shocking, festive party of redemption and reconciliation. But do sons like us ever hear, Well done?

This LINK is not for the faint-of-heart. Apparently, there are those in heaven whose works get burned up like so much wood, hay and stubble. In other words, they will be well done, but not in a good way. Undoubtedly many of my works will be in that category. How about yours? Will we hear the words, “Well done” even though we are standing there reeking of smoke?

I’ve wrestled with questions like these many times. One time I got so despondent over it I called Jerry Bridges with an all-out SOS. He listened patiently as he always does, and then reminded me about the ultimate reassuring truth: Everything Jesus did He did in our place and as our substitute. So in the eyes of the Triune God—if we are united to the Son by authentic faith—everything Jesus did, we did.

And He did all things well.

Jerry’s reminder was more than enough to cure my panic attack. But I still wonder if I will ever hear, “Well done.” I guess I’ll find out when I get there.

If you find yourself at my memorial service one day, don’t expect anyone to say I am hearing the words, “Well done.” But I hope someone might think of the last part of Matthew 25:23 and say something like this:

In spite of himself, because of Christ alone, Bob is hearing, Enter into the joy of your Master. 

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  • http://www.facebook.com/dianne.spencer4 Dianne Spencer

    I hope to be so blessed to hear those words too. In spite of myself…..
    I was thinking last night in group about how grateful I am that I know Him, and just as quick it hit me that I only know Him because HE brought awareness TO me.
    It’s just overwhelming

  • tom scott

    hi Bob, you will hear those words, don’t even worry about it. You are one of His good and faithful servants. Without meeting people like you and the people I have been blessed to meet through you I wouldn’t believe it myself. The wreckage of our past before Christ or even while believing has been handled. It sure doesn’t make much sense to me at times but it is real, I only can say that faithfully because I hear this stuff from you every week. If you do not believe it you would not preach it yourself. I do not know you very well but I have the wonderful privelage of witnessing your passion along with the other cellar dwellars when it comes to the gospel. It is sinking deep every time we meet because I see it each week. When we change our lives,I should say,when the gospel changes our lives a little at a time each and every day and I try,even the slightest bit I will grow into the servant He wants me to be. I truly believe I will hear those words also. Into the darkness he shines,out of the ashes we rise.There is no one like him,none like him. Grace is a wonderful thing and we have it no matter what…..We love you Bob.

  • http://www.facebook.com/paula.k.collins.7 Paula Kechisen Collins

    Bob,
    Like you I have often wondered if I will hear those words as well. I look at my life, all I have done, all I have failed to do, and think to myself: “Would my Savior be proud of me as his daughter, or will he look at me and say I can come in despite my half-living.” I do get the gospel message that I am a mess, a big mess, but that Jesus paid it all, took it all upon him, so that my “messiness” can get into heaven. I am comforted by that. One day I will join my wonderful parents in heaven, that much I do know. Until then I will ask for God’s help daily to mold me into that which he created me to be.

  • TParker3neo

    Bob, your post raises an interesting question. First Corinthians was written to Christians at Corinth in order to answer questions they appear to have written to Paul. If that is so – and the letter was not written to those who had not yet been saved – Paul’s discussion of building on a foundation would appear to relate to the work done by a believer after he/she is saved.

    For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it it is…

    Only believers can build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. I must choose daily how I spend the time talent and treasure God has given me. When I get all riled up about my sport team (hay) or I dedicate all of my time to my garden (straw), I probably won’t receive the same welcome I would receive if I spent that same amount of time and energy bringing God’s truth to someone who needs to hear it (gold) or a cup of blessing to a person in need (silver). Finding the right balance is one of the great challenges of life. Our past misdeeds have been forgiven and we stand now in the righteousness of Jesus.

    It is a great reminder that as we journey on, we get a new chance daily to walk with the Lord and in his love, using well what He has given us. If you keep spreading the truth, forgetting what is past and pressing on to the goal, you WILL hear those words, brother.

    • http://BobBevington.com/ Bob Bevington

      Thanks for the encouraging words, Tom.

      PS You definitely have some writing “chops.” Can’t wait to get a guest blog form you someday. . .

  • Tampa Murphy

    Hey, Bob Bevington…
    Thank you for the sweet yet convicting reminder this morning (always a tender, reflecting time for me) of a Triune God who loves me, and you!, so much that His precious Son would to obediently to the Father, sacrifice His own life, and through this “earthly-incomprehensible “act, for such a wretch as me, my debt would be wiped clean…for eternity…never to be spoken of or brought up and rehashed when I will stand before Him…washed white as snow…forgiven…loved…welcomed… embraced…forever drowning in His sea of grace…O how He loves us!…and prayerfully to be blessed to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. THEN I will join my wonderful Mike Murphy, and Perry, in praising Him forever. Ain’t THAT good news?!?!?

    • http://BobBevington.com/ Bob Bevington

      You are right Tampa. The good news is relentless and brings us to the place in Christ where we are “presented holy, blameless,and above reproach” (Colossians 1:22).