“The labourer is worthy of His reward” 1 Timothy 5:18 KJV
“The labourer is worthy of his wages.” 1Timothy 5:18 NASB
This Scripture cited is possibly a direct quotation made by Paul from the words of the Lord Jesus in Luke 10:7, “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” Paul employs it again in spirit, if not verbatim, in 1 Corinthians 9. It underlines a vital point in divine government and ways. It is also consistent with a principle with which we are more familiar, the principle of sowing and reaping.
While this maxim of laboring and reward is presented for the encouragement of servants and shepherds, it must, by necessity, apply as well to the Chief Shepherd and the Perfect Servant. He must reap the hire of His labor.
Think of His labor. Did anyone ever labor at such a cost? His labor meant enduring the shame heaped on Him by men and the physical suffering which was inflicted upon Him. He not only labored to the point of weariness, but to the point of death. He patiently continued until the work was done and He could cry, “Finished.”
Did any ever labor with purer motive and more fervent love for His Master? His service was never mechanical or obligatory but 
sprang from the deepest and purest love imaginable. He labored to bring honor to His Master, to glorify His Name, and to quell eternally every voice which might be raised questioning the love and righteousness of His Master.
His labor cost Him what He prized and treasured beyond human description. He had enjoyed an unbroken fellowship within the Godhead eternally. At Calvary, the enjoyment of that fellowship was sundered for those six hours upon the cross. We, who know so little of the enjoyment of that fellowship with divine persons, cannot begin to measure the cost that it was to Him to have it interrupted. The deep pathos of His soul as revealed in His cry, “Why hast Thou forsaken Me,” gives some insight into what it meant to Him.
Did any ever accomplish more in His labor than this Servant? His service for His Master reaped a harvest of results which will require eternal ages to fully unpack. He, by His death and resurrection, established a righteous basis for all God’s program for eternity. Along with the vindication of God’s name and character, think just of what He has accomplished for us? The forgiveness of sins, redemption, regeneration, sonship and heirship, eternal life in which we will grow unceasingly in the knowledge of God, and a place in the Bride of Christ. And that merely touches the fringe.
What then will this Laborer receive as being “worthy” of His hire? The idea of “worthy” is something which is equal on the scales of justice. What measure of eternal glory could possibly compensate for all His labor? What could balance the scales of righteous judgment so that He is receiving the due compensation for His labor?
Perhaps, just as John wrote at the close of his gospel that the world could not contain the books which could be written of His life and service, likewise it will require eternity to fully unfold the glories which He has reaped by that service.
Consider:
Sowing and reaping: a farmer always reaps a far greater quantity of material than he sowed. How do you think this will apply to the future glories of Christ?