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 12 of 12

CONCLUSION: THE SURETY OF REWARD

When we speak of rewards, we are not dealing in speculation. Those who take God seriously will be taken seriously by God! I have found that the recognition of this fact is necessary to consistent labors for Christ. Much of our labor for the Lord is met with a lack of appreciation and seeming failure. But reaping day has not yet come! I deeply appreciate this word from the Holy Spirit: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb. 6:10). This is a true saying, and worthy of all acceptation! Now, consider these promises, and give yourself fully and expectantly to the work of the Lord.

The person devoted to righteousness will be rewarded. "The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be A SURE REWARD" (Prov. 11:18).

Treat your enemies with respect, helping them when they have need. God even rewards for that! "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee" (Prov 25:21-22).

There is no Kingdom task too menial to qualify for a reward. "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, HE SHALL IN NO WISE LOSE HIS REWARD" (Matt. 10:42).

Rewards will be dispensed in direct proportion to our labors for the King. "Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and EVERY MAN SHALL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD according to his own labor" (1 Cor. 3:8).

If your fruit (converts) survive the judgment of God, you will be appropriately rewarded. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, HE SHALL RECEIVE A REWARD" (1 Cor. 3:14).

Knowing, or being consciously aware, of coming rewards constrains us to serve the Lord with consistency and fervency. "Knowing that of the Lord YE SHALL RECEIVE THE REWARD of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:24).

The Lord has spoken clearly and concisely on this subject. His reward is sure, and those who labor for Him are not doing so in vain. If, at the present time, it seems your labors are pointless, seize the weapons of your warfare and engage in an aggressive fight to keep the faith. it is written, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:4-5). The notion that God does not reward His servants, or that it is not right labor in expectation of such rewards, are imaginations to be dashed to the ground. Reckon upon this truth, and let no man take it from you: "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb 6:10). Pay day is coming!

-- TOMORROW: New Series, SANCTIFICATION --