SCRIPTURE: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’ (Matthew 25:21 BSB)
QUOTE: “God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him.” -Henry Blackaby
NOTE:
Rewards or favor from the Lord are often the results of our obedience to him. Whether we decide to obey depends on our love relationship with God and how we honor and prize his wisdom. Jesus was an example of an obedient son who trusted his heavenly father. Proof of that is found when he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane prior to his betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection three days later. “Father, if it is your will, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will but yours, be done.” Today, Christians may have the desire to be obedient, but it is similar to a tug-of-war game.
On one end of the rope is our human nature as well as a propensity to just follow the behaviors of others. On the rope’s other end is the desire to respond positively to the authority of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This obedience struggle — or rope tugging — happens frequently, especially in situations where we know the wise thing to do is to follow God’s instruction, but pleasing ourselves or others is a strong temptation to do the opposite.
One reward I take to heart is from Proverbs 3:1-2: “My son (or daughter) do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Long life with peace is ideal. In fact, not only peace, but “great peace” is stated in Psalm 119:165: “Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.”
ILLUSTRATION:
Ignoring both God’s wisdom and biblical instructions has consequences, obedience to his commandments has rewards — even “great” rewards. Psalm 19:7-10 in the New Living Bible sets out the attributes of the Lord’s commands. In verse 11 it says, “They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them.”
REFLECTION:
Which do you prefer, reward or rejection?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Eccl 12: 9 – 14, Psalm 141