In December 2013, off-duty LA policeman Donald Thompson saw a vehicle crash into the divider on the freeway and burst into flames. Disregarding his own welfare, Officer Thompson jumped barriers, cut the seatbelt from the unconscious driver, and pulled him to safety. On May 17, 2016, President Obama presented Officer Thompson the Medal of Valor, the highest award in America for public service officers who exhibit exceptional courage in an attempt to save or protect others from harm.

The third “woe” pronounced with the seventh trumpet of judgment (Revelation 8:1-2,13) is being described in Revelation 11:14-19. In these verses, John summarized everything that will occur from the middle to the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 20:3). The evidence for this conclusion is the many “days” referred to in Revelation 10:7. Also, the description of events in Revelation 11:14-19 pictures the anger of the nations who will war against believers and the coming of Christ to reign on the earth (vs. 17). However, it is our purpose here to focus on the coming just reward for the saved and unsaved. John refers to “the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants…small and great…” (vs. 18). The written Word of God repeatedly reminds us that there will be a just eternal reward for all mankind. Daniel promised, “them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). The Lord Jesus warned that the hour was coming when those in the grave will hear His voice, “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). There will be a payday someday. In our text, John is picturing this future event, focusing largely on reward for those, like the two witnesses, who will remain faithful throughout the Tribulation. The King of kings Himself will award them with eternal life and entrance into the Millennial Kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46). The reminder of these things is intended to inspire Tribulation saints to remain steadfast in the Lord.

Similarly, believers in the Dispensation of Grace are to be strengthened in faithfulness by remaining focused on “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2), and remembering “your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). Remain steadfastly faithful to the Lord, believer. There will be a payday someday, and a just reward.