Who can forget the first time summonsed to Court? Not I. It followed this event: the light on the car behind me flashing red red red. A look at the speedometer tells why. I am over the speed limit. Now I had to go before a judge. From then on I tried to obey the posted traffic signs.

Christian, there is a Bible verse concerning a summons that should prompt our service to the Lord, “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the deeds done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). Picture this future event: A high bench with the Lord Jesus Christ behind the bench; and we, individually appearing, each in an immortal body, to give an account of our service to the Lord, while here in this body, according to the talents (opportunities) He has given us. “To whom much is given, much is required”.

This summons is for believers only ( 2 Cor.1:1). Unbelievers upon the general resurrection will face a later judgment at the Great White Throne ( Rev. 20:11-15), when the books recording their deeds (sins) will be opened and to be sentenced accordingly. Thank God , Christian, we will not appear before this judgment because our sins have already been judged; the verdict guilty; the sentence death; and carried and suffered on our behalf by our wonderful Lord Jesus on the cross. This does not mean there are no consequences to be faced at the judgement seat we will face. This a bema time (bench before sitting judge) and will be disastrous for those who lose their crowns of glory due to negligence in Christ’s service. My ambition is to receive a full reward (2 John 8) and be privileged to be one of those who cast our crown before Him who deserves it in the honor of the Lord Jesus in that holy day of celebration coming. Rev. 4:10.