“To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” - 1 Peter 1:4 (NIV).
There are few people who want to get in a race without a reward. It is a natural to desire to expect some form of reward whenever we compete in a race. And while here on earth whatever trials we go through there is that hope of being rewarded finally for our faith. If you are thrown out of a job unfairly, lose a business because you won’t pay a bribe, you hope to get an even better offer much as a reward for your suffering.
Indeed, our God is in the business of rewarding those who remain true and steadfast in Him. We see that happening many times with believers being vindicated for their faith. There was a brother in Christ who was unfairly terminated and court awarded him a huge compensation.
Yet while God does reward us here on earth for those that obey Him the greatest of reward is not on earth but in heaven. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of righteousness, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, ESV).
It is good to be rewarded in a lifetime, but for Christ followers the greatest of all rewards must wait in the afterlife. “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23). Further, the Apostle Paul adds, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (I Cor 15:58, ESV).
In brief, we should never despair even if we are not immediately rewarded here on earth. “Whatever you do work heartily, as for the Lord and not men, knowing from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col 3: 23-24, ESV).
Prayer for today: Lord father in heaven, today I pray in the beloved name of Jesus, as I go through many trials here on earth, let my eyes remain ever focused on you, for great is the reward of those who persevere in faith.
