Pastor Charles Luther in 1877 wrote the words to the hymn “Must I Go, and Empty Handed.” Before we discuss the story behind the hymn let’s consider the apostle Paul’s final application at the conclusion of his teaching on the resurrection of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul challenged us “be steadfast, immovable, always abound in the work of the Lord for you know that your labor is not in vain [without results] (15:58).” Our lives as Christians can have results if we serve our resurrected Lord faithfully. Or our lives can have no or little results if we serve unfaithfully. Paul draws this contrast when teaching on the future Judgement Seat of Christ where Christians will give an account of their service to the Lord. Some will “receive a reward (1 Cor. 3:14).” Their service was not in “vain” or without results. Others will “suffer loss” (3:15) and receive no reward or their lives will have been lived in “vain” with no rewards or crowns to cast at Jesus’ feet. We sometimes refer to this sad scene as entering heaven empty handed.