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 4 of 12

AN APPEAL TO THE PROFIT MOTIVE

God appeals to the profit motive in His people. He does not appeal to a corrupted view of profit, but to a noble one. A godly view considers the eternal destiny of oneself of primary importance. As it is written, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Tim. 4:16). Salvation in all of its aspects appeals to individual interests. There is forgiveness of personal sin, strengthening of the individual, and hope of eternal reward. The removal of these things would make salvation impossible to appropriate. It is the appeal to personal interests that makes the Gospel so attractive.

Herein is a remarkable thing. Man, by nature, seeks his own selfish interests. As it is written, "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it . . . " (Eph. 5:29). Self esteem is an unavoidable part of the natural makeup of humankind. However, it must NOT be used to gratify temporal lusts and ambitions. On this point, we are to deny ourselves, refusing to gratify our lower nature (Matt. 16:24; Lk. 14:26). If we "live after the flesh," or in fleshly self interests, we are apprised, we will "die" (Rom. 8:13). If these things are so, how is it that God appeals to personal interests?

There are at least three ways to deal with personal gratification. First, one can cast all hope of glory aside, and pursue the gratification of fleshly appetites. This will lead one to inevitable condemnation. Second, one can retreat into the practice of self-abuse, like some monks of bygone days. However, starvation and self- flagellation, together with senseless and punishing disciplines, will not achieve merit or bring the commendation of God. Third, one can engage in a quest for higher personal benefit--eternal glory!

In salvation, there is a strong appeal to the latter quest. The one who believes and is baptized, for example "shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). The one who seeks is the very one who will find (Matt. 7:7). When we lay up treasures in heaven, we lay them up "for ourselves" (Matt. 6:19). The reason why godly individuals run patiently the race set efore them, is their consideration of the "prize." They are running to "obtain" it (1 Cor. 9:24).

This truth cannot be overstated. Behold the appeal to personal interest in the promises of God. "But if any man love God, the same is known of [by] Him" (1 Cor. 8:3). "And not us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). "Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free" (Eph. 6:8). The promise of "eternal life" is God's principal promise (Tit. 1:1), and that is at a personal level. James adds another word on this point, "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8). The first admonition to those in Christ was, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). And, who can forget the admonition of Paul, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12). Let no soul feel guilty because they are engaged in an earnest quest for blessing from God! God appeals to those engaged in such efforts! His promises, further, are designed to awaken strong involvement in such pursuits.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise Your name for the many promises You have given to us in Christ Jesus. I thank You that we are invited to drink of the water of life, eat the bread of life, and delight ourselves in You. In Jesus' name, I ask for grace to engage in a more fervent and consistent quest for these things.

-- TOMORROW: THE EXAMPLE OF MOSES --