In 1988, a man by the name of Nicholas Winton walked into a BBC studio in Britain and took a seat in the audience. The unassuming stockbroker, wearing coke-bottle glasses and a simple suit, had no idea that the upcoming program segment on the talk show That’s Life was dedicated to him. For decades, Winton had kept a secret, but his secret had been discovered. This seemingly ordinary man was actually a hero, having organized and executed one of the greatest humanitarian feats of WW2.
Before the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia, Winton relocated 669 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia to homes in Britain. He organized the documentation, transportation, and rehousing of these children, saving them all from certain death. Sadly, most of their parents died in concentration camps.
Finally, fifty years later, what Winton had done came to light. The BBC talk show acknowledged his work. Dozens of the children–now adults–were there to honor and thank him for his lifesaving efforts. Following this broadcast, Winton was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, received the Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia’s highest honor), and was labeled “Britain’s Schindler” by the press. Praise, honor, and glory followed him until his death in 2015, at the age of 106.
Winton’s experience is an illustration of the doctrine of rewards. The Bible teaches that believers who faithfully serve the Lord during this life will one day be rewarded for their efforts at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10). Like Winton, we have the opportunity to do lifesaving work. However, the rewards we can glean from service to the Lord are far better than knighthood or a medal, for the rewards we seek have eternal value and will outlast the applause of men (1 Cor 9:24-27).
However, there is another element to Winton’s story that provides a sobering reminder. It was later disclosed that during his efforts to find housing for the children, Winton reached out to President Roosevelt for help. Sadly, Roosevelt ignored Winton’s pleas. Winton would later estimate that over 2000 children could have been saved if the president had responded to the call.
In 2 Pet 1:10, the apostle tells his readers that–like the American president–they are being called. All born-again people are being called to discipleship. All believers are being invited to serve alongside the Lord, partnering with Him as we look to His eternal kingdom. We can have a part in His work by sharing the saving message, discipling others, and adding to our faith the character qualities that reflect the Lord (2 Pet 1:5-8).
Zane Hodges comments:
“…all Christians have been given a ‘royal’ summons by God Himself, ‘who calls [us] into His own kingdom and glory’ (1 Thess 2:12). And a supremely significant part of that glory is the privilege of co-reigning with Christ (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 2:26-27; 3:21). But not all Christians are chosen to co-reign…Peter wishes his readership to produce in their lifestyle appropriate verification that they are ‘royal’ people, destined for high honors in the coming kingdom of God” (Hodges, Second Peter: Shunning Error in Light of the Savior’s Return, pp. 30-31).
Believers who heed this call are promised an “abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom” (2 Pet 1:11). Just as Winton received an abundant entrance into the BBC studio, believers who faithfully serve the Lord during this life will receive an abundant entrance into His kingdom. This is not a description of simply entering the kingdom. Anyone who believes in Jesus for the gift of eternal life will enter the kingdom (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:40). Peter is discussing the kind of entrance we will receive. Just as Winton was honored in multiple ways because of his service, some believers will enter the kingdom with full honors due to their service. That kind of entrance requires that we heed the call of discipleship, faithfully serving the Lord and others (2 Pet 1:5-11).
