Incomparable reward

We can so often be like little children, who would choose a handful of pennies over a 50-pound note, thinking they’ve received a great treasure without understanding the value of the alternative. Likewise, we just don’t grasp the value of God’s promises to us, and can be tempted to ignore God’s reward for the tiny rewards here on earth.

On Sunday morning, we considered Jesus’ warning to his disciples; to those who have trusted Jesus as Saviour and king, instead of thinking their own deeds can get them into heaven. “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). Having been saved, watch your motives!

Don’t be like the hypocrites, warns Jesus, by parading your giving, displaying your prayers, or demonstrating your fasting (see vv. 2-6, 16-18)! What could you possibly get? Some honour from people? A good reputation? Some ‘social credit’?

If we seek our treasures here on earth, it’s likely they’ll be short-lived, destroyed or stolen (v. 19). Before you know it, honour becomes ridicule; acceptation becomes rejection; good reputation becomes being cancelled…

Instead, let’s seek our treasures (our reward) in heaven, with God! He sees what is done in secret, and will graciously reward us (v. 4, 6, 18)! The heavenly reward is most of all God himself, for the greatest, lasting, incomparable joy is found in Him! God will never fail to satisfy us with happiness and contentment and honour and glory, as we live as his beloved children in his presence forever.

Shall we focus on that incomparably greater reward, not the fleeting rewards of this world? That’s the best motivation to love and obey our heavenly Father more day by day!

Klaas-Jan Gunnink