God is the Rewarder

Have you ever done something solely for what you would get out of it? 

If you’re anything at all like me, then the answer is a resounding yes.

I mean, like, when you were a child, you cleaned your room to earn allowance. Or you raked the neighbor’s yard for some pocket money. Or, you memorized a bunch of Bible verses to earn a trip to summer camp. Or you stayed after school to help organize the classroom to earn the favor of your teacher. Or you did a good deed so others think you’re a good person. Or you showcased your talent so people would praise you. Or, or or…

I am sure you can fill in the blank with your own things. 



I have been reading a devotional book, and the author was talking about fasting. She was saying that if you post on social media about your fast, or mention it “casually” in conversation, looking for the accolades of men, that you have your reward. Really what our reward should be is that we are drawing closer to God. That is where our hearts should be set.

(Also not to look to lose weight, or just gain more self-control. Our purpose and goal should be to draw closer to the Savior.)

It reminded me of the scripture in Genesis from my recent Bible reading. Abram had just rescued Lot from being taken captive when Sodom was besieged. He brought back not only Lot, but all the stuff, and all the people. 

When the king offers him his choice of anything and everything he wants, Abram declines and says he will not let it be said that this king made him rich, when it was the hand of God that did. (That is the end of chapter 14.)

Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

When Abram refused the gifts of the king, God reminded Abram that HE was his reward, and his shield! When we recognize God Himself as our reward, He will also be our shield; going before us, guiding us, helping us defeat whatever temptation comes our way. 



I love the whole ‘Hall of Faith” in Hebrews chapter 11. It is so encouraging to read through things that people faced, yet stood firm in their faith. But I saw it in a whole new light when God opened my eyes to seeing Him as their reward. 

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” 



God is the rewarder, and what does God reward us with? More of Himself! Eternal life forever in His presence! This whole chapter is about people who walked and lived out and died for their faith because they were receiving GOD as a reward!



Hebrews 11:13 “ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”



They didn’t even get to see the fulfillment of the promises, yet they acted in faith, and were persuaded that they were true, and embraced them!! They knew God was their reward! How else could they face being sawn in two, being tortured, stoned to death, scourged? If the reward they looked for was the accolades or fame of men, surely they couldn’t have endured at all. 



So when I plan to do anything, I need to ask myself what my motivation is. What am I hoping to gain from doing this? If more of God, and an opportunity to give Him glory aren’t the reward I am seeking, then I’m seeking the wrong things. Everything else is temporary. Everything else fades.



Lord, help me seek You as my reward, no matter what may try to distract me, no matter what the devil dangles in front of my face, no matter what this world may offer. You are my exceeding great reward!! 

Matthew 6:2 “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”



Colossians 3:1-3(1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
(2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
(3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.(4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.