Mensa Otabil - God is a Rewarder
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The concept of being rewarded is woven into our human life. Every human being does something or puts in effort expecting a reward. When we go to school, we learn and study in the classroom, hoping that we will be rewarded with success. When we get up in the morning, go to work, and work throughout the week, we expect to be rewarded with a salary to show that what we have done is worth something. When a person works out, goes to the gym, or goes on a diet, they expect to be rewarded with some weight loss, and I’m sure some of you want that reward very desperately.
The concept is clear, but does it work in our spiritual life? Is there a reward in our spiritual life when we walk with God? Does He reward us? One of the people in the Bible whose walk with God was significant is Abraham. Abraham left his father’s house and started walking in the desert because God said, «Go to a land that I will show you.» In the process, he went through some difficulties; he had no child and no land. For years, he was obeying God, but he saw that there was no reward coming out of that walk with God. However, God spoke to Abraham in Genesis chapter 15, verse 1, and this is what God says: «After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.'»
If you find yourself in Abraham’s position, thinking, «I have given so much to serve God, and I’m doing so much for the Lord,» let me tell you that He is your shield, your defense, and your exceedingly great reward. Not just your reward, but your massive reward, your abundant reward, your exceedingly great reward. The word that is translated as «reward» in this passage means your worth; in other words, your value, wages, or compensation. God says your wages are not from your boss or your family; He is your exceedingly great reward. He is your reward; He is the one who compensates you. He’s the one who lets you know that you have value and worth, and He is your defense as well. So, for Abraham, who had endured for years and didn’t seem to have rewards or results, God says, «Fear not. Relax.» He is your reward; He is a rewarder.
When we serve God and do the work of God, He rewards us first with Himself and then with the things that He has promised us. He gave Himself to Abraham first, even before Abraham had a child; he had God as his reward. For everyone who has left so much to serve God, the Lord says to you, «I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.»
I’m pastor Mensa, and may peace and life be with you.