History Books in 90 Days: Nehemiah 7
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (ESV); For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which
is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be
revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone
has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will
suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
The Great White Throne Judgement determines who will spend eternity in God’s kingdom and who
will be cast out into eternal separation from God. Those whose names are written in the book of life,
decreeing them to eternity with Jesus, will continue on to stand before the judgement seat of Christ.
Here we will be judged for our works and the passage out of 1 Corinthians gives us some insight
into this judgment.
Everyone lives by a set of values that determines what is important to them, and we build our lives
upon those things of importance. But Scripture tells us that all foundations apart from Christ Jesus
are faulty. He is the only solid surface upon which we can build our lives. Many people’s lives look
extravagant and wonderful to the eyes of the world, but God will see straight to the foundation. He
could care less about the material things we have to show for ourselves if they were not rooted in
His will. We will see our works pass through fire, and much of what the world thought was valuable
will be revealed as chaff because they were on a faulty foundation. We are told that there will be
some who will be saved by the skin of their teeth, and they will be left with little reward.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on this passage. What are your thoughts about heavenly reward? Is this something
you think about often? Does it affect your life?
2. Do some listening prayer, asking Jesus what it means for you to build a foundation on Him. Ask
Him to show you ways that you are already doing this. Ask Him to show you other ways where
you need to begin.
3. Thank God for His justice and His good plans. Thank you that all His ways are good.
