2 John 1: 8 (NKJV)
"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."
Revelation 22: 12 (NKJV)
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
God is a God of rewards. In His Word those who are true believers of Christ are promised rewards here on earth and also in heaven. How we live our lives here on earth, what we do, and how we do it will determine whether we receive any rewards, and what rewards we receive.
If you are a Christian, you and I are called by Jesus to leave all and follow Him. Sometimes we don’t realise, or even forgot that there are rewards for obeying His call. In the new testament, even Peter wanted to know from Jesus, what will be the benefit of leaving all and following Him. You find the Lord’s answer in Matthew 19: 28, Mark 10: 29-30 and Luke 18: 29-30.
Luke 18: 29–30 “So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
If you are not a Christian yet, the first thing Jesus promises you is the reward of eternal life with God, but you have to surrender your life to Him first. God loves you so much and His first reward to you once you become His child is everlasting life – John 3: 16
Let’s examine some of the rewards for believers spoken about in the Bible:
God will reward those who sow righteousness - Proverbs 11: 18. He will reward those who earnestly / diligently seek Him – Hebrews 11: 6. He will reward those who persevere under trial and stand the test, with a crown of life - James 1: 12. He will reward those who with goodwill do service as to the Lord and not to man – Ephesians 6: 7–8. He will reward those who do whatever they do heartily as to the Lord and not to men, with an inheritance – Colossians 3: 23–24.
Jesus will come back in all his glory and reward each one according to his works- Matthew 16: 27. Those who are reviled and persecuted for Christ sake will be rewarded greatly - Mathew 5: 10 – 12. Jesus said Our Father in heaven will reward those who in the right manner, do charitable works / give, pray, and fast – Matthew 6: 1–7, 16–18.
Those who plant and water in God’s Kingdom will receive rewards based on their labor - 1 Corinthians 3: 8. There is a crown of righteousness reserved for believers who love Him and love His appearing - 2 Timothy 4: 8.
This is such a comfort to know that when we do and live right before man and God, there are rewards here in this life and in heaven. So, let’s live in a way that we obtain our full rewards. Let’s watch how we live.
Aren’t you glad we have so much to look forward to as we live for Christ, love Him and do His bidding? I am…