Heavenly Rewards
by Alan and Clarice Smith 17 November 2024
Read Matthew 5:3-12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
I think we all like rewards whether we are children or grown up. Children often respond well to the reward of praise and even as adults a word of praise can boost the morale. A recognition of the fact we have tried our best to do a good job or behave in a Christian way in spite of hurtful circumstances can only be healing.
Many organisations talk about the rewards of retirement. Years ago many companies gave a retirement gift to their long serving employees. The gift of a watch was not unusual. I believe that in Thailand, some organisations offer retirement pay, some honour the work you have done for the company in other ways. But, we know the great reward of God is different.
Today's reading tells us how our rewards are great in heaven and we can learn a lot how God wants us to live from this passage. Verse 3 reminds us to be conscious and humble that our lives are not perfect, and that we need God's help and his grace. We also learn to be pure in heart is to be one with God and live for Him. Jesus ends by teaching us to be prepared to serve God by making peace in our communities and societies, even when we face injustice, persecution or scandal.
The above is not an easy task, but we have a promise that God prepares a great reward in heaven for those who live their lives in this way. As our reading says, 'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
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Prayer
Loving God, help us believe and trust that You have prepared the way for our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen