Isa 61:7 - Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
Ever feel like we never get the reward we are working for?
Israel was partially following God, and expected to be rewarded for their halfhearted obedience. But when God held them accountable, they didn't find the reward they wanted. Then after repenting, times were still difficult for them. In fact, in some ways they were worse, because obedience didn't grant rewards immediately. Why believe without benefit?
Little did they know that their reward was already on its way---Jesus was coming. Better that an easier life in earth is the forgiveness and relationship they already have in heaven because of a savior that was about to come. The benefit was in place like a savings account for retirement.
Over and over God continues to remind us all that the benefit is not in this life. We keep wishing for it now, but God knows that we will be glad later that He kept it for eternity. (why spend retirement on cotton candy? Why work for something that disappears in minutes?). God doesn't hold back on rewards as a carrot for obedience, but as the investment of love that we need the most.
Likewise, we don't believe as a carrot to get God to reward us, but as an investment of love that He deserves the most. Belief is not the cost of rewards, it IS the reward! We already have the reward and know it's prepared for eternity. So by knowing, we believe!
Not only that, but God promises a double portion...we get an extra reward for being responsible for our family on earth. We are not just a part of the family, we are leaders in His family.
Believe not for the benefit, but because we already have the benefit waiting for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment