May 12

‘Whoso keepcth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof; so he that waitcth on his master shall be honoured.” — Prov. xxvii. 18.

ME who tends the fig tree has figs for his pains, and he who waits on a good master has honour as his reward. Truly the Lord Jesus is the very best of masters, and it is an honour to be allowed to do the least act for his sake. To serve some lords is to watch over a crab tree and eat the crabs as one’s wages; but to serve my Lord Jesus is to keep a fig tree of the sweetest figs. His service is in itself delight, continuance in it is promotion, success in it is blessedness below, and the reward for it is glory above.

Our greatest honours will be gathered in that season when the figs will be ripe, even in the next world. Angels who are now our servitors will bear us home when our day’s work is done. Heaven, where Jesus is, will be our honourable mansion, eternal bliss our honourable portion, and the Lord himself our honourable occupation. Who can imagine the full meaning of this promise — “He that waiteth on his master shall be honoured”?

Lord, help me to wait upon my Master. Let me leave all idea of honour to the hour when thou thyself shalt honour me. May thy Holy Spirit make me a lowly and patient worker and waiter!