GOD OFFERS REWARDS

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets" (Luke 6:23).

Devotion 2 of 12

THE NOBILITY OF SALVATION

Salvation involves the highest expressions of both God and man. God appears in His most lofty capacity in the provision of redemption, and man reaches his apex in the appropriation of that redemption. While this may appear obvious to even the casual reader of Scripture, it is a reality not easily perceived by the contemporary churchman. There are some religious songs and sayings that appear to marvel at the greatness of salvation, and we give thanks for the thoughts they convey. However, they have not generally yielded good fruit. Our churches have been overcome with mediocrity at nearly every level. Lackluster preachers and second rate listeners are altogether too common. The presence of this spiritual inferiority betrays the condition of those caught in its web. Salvation has simply not been consistently associated with greatness, and therefore those claiming identity with Jesus are not generally noted for correspondingly great efforts.

Let there be no mistake about it: the salvation of God is great. The failure of men to grasp its majesty only confirms this to be the case. In God's kingdom, great things are not accessible to the mind of the flesh. As it is written, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor. 2:14). It is not possible to be dominated by the worldly mind and perceive the glory of salvation, which is in Christ Jesus. Notwithstanding this condition, we wrestle with the "natural mind," which remains a part of us, even though we do not prefer that circumstance. This is the reason for the admonition, "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23). Divine incentives and rewards play a prominent part in the accomplishment of this objective.

Let us never forget the solemn warning, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord?" (Heb 2:3). It is "great" in its provision, "great" in its proclamation, and "great" in its effects. The "salvation of God" (Psa 50:23; Lk 3:6; Acts 28:28) is SO great, that it is not possible to participate in it if it is neglected, disregarded, forgotten, or dismissed. Our review of rewards will be accentuated by the greatness of salvation. That salvation is the context within which rewards are offered.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for a salvation so great it engages the heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is satisfying, empowering, and precious. In the name of the Christ Who wrought it, accept my praise.

-- TOMORROW: THE GOOD PLEASURE OF GOD --