“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done” - Rev 22:12 (NIV)
One of those things that make the Christian faith particularly appealing is the promise of a reward. Of course reward is not restricted to the Christian faith alone but is found in many others as well. The Buddhist believe one goes through various process of reincarnation before getting to ultimate heaven. Among Muslims there are those cases we have heard of Islamic Jihadists who sacrifice their lives in suicidal attacks for the reward of virgins in heaven!
As believers we have a reward of enjoying eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ. For us Christians our reward comes also because of all the sacrifices we take in the hope of a brighter future. On occasion we might feel that the odds against us are too overwhelming. But we persevere because of this faith that a great reward awaits us. For as is promised, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, ESV)
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that whatever the trials I go through I know a great reward awaits me because of faith in you as my Lord and Saviour!
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19/04/2024 - 20/04/2024 All day“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” ( Isaiah 43:19).
Just before fire was unleashed down on Sodom and Gommorah, Lot was told to pack up with his wife and two daughters and leave their homestead. Now, once out of danger, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” ( Gen 19:26). Perhaps here we might pause and ask why she was bothered to look back.
Of course it could have been that old “curiosity killed a cat” mistake! Yet, it could also have been Lot’s wife was not sure where she was going and longed for her old life back. This is a common error. There was nothing stirring to look back. Just before Lot’s neighbors had attacked his house eager to rape his visitors. “They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them” ( vv 5). Was there anything worth looking back to!
The case of Lot’s wife could be anyone else’s experience. The Lord has plucked you out of some mess. You have been delivered to a new life. Yet, somehow you decide to look back, as though there was anything good and worth longing for. Sometimes it is a bitter past you have been delivered from. Other than rejoice in your new blessings you keep being drawn back!
A wise caution goes, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly” ( Proverbs 26:11). If the Lord has just led you out of a certain mess why look back like it was much better! Instead look ahead, for “he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” ( vv 17- 18).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for delivering me from the darkness of the past and I look forward to a bright new future in you, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
