I love it when I read something from The Word and it catches me in a new way. If you haven't figure this out yet, only God's Word can do that. It's the only book that has the power to be constant and new at the same time. I was reading this devotional from the Proverbs 31, First5 app when this thought struck.
(if you haven't downloaded that app yet, do yourself a favor and do it! I'll post the link below)
We were in Hebrews and were talking about Jesus, of course. It was a really great devo that day, but my mind zeroed in on a particular part of the verse, and I couldn't shake the thought.
It was the last half of this (I'll bold it for you) - Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
I'll admit that my mind first went to, "Ohhhh! I wondered what we're gonna get rewarded with??! What could it be?? A cool job in heaven? Something awesome down here on earth? More money? More shoes?? What?? Can I get wings??"
I promise I am 40 and not 12. This insanity lasted only around 2 seconds, but it was there.
Keeping it real.
Then the truth hit me. I knew what the reward was, and it was so much better than shoes, or even wings.
The truth is, the reward is God.
I know I can't physically come through the screen and shake you, but I would if I could.
Oh my goodness!
OUR REWARD IS GOD!
I seriously cannot express. I mean there is really nothing better or greater than God. We are so limiting sometime in our thinking toward God and his love for us. He wants to reward us when we seek after him. And he will give us the best. It just happens to be him.
God said it best when he spoke to Abram in Genesis 15:1.
He said, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
This is God. He rewards those who seek after Him with Himself. He is our very great reward. This prize is for anyone, in any position of life. He gives freely to any who seek after him.
I'm reminded of when I was little, and my dad would leave on a trip. My brother, sisters and I would wait anxiously for him to return. He always brought back a small gift. Something to let us know that he was thinking about us and missing us while he was gone. I remember on his return, we would run in excitement, yelling all the way, "Daddy's home! What'd you get us, Daddy?" Daddy would always bring us a small token. I didn't figure it out till I was older that the real gift was seeing him turn into the driveway.
It's the same way for me now with my husband when he travels. The difference is my children are the ones yelling, "Dad's home!" There is the usual handing out of gifts and hugs all around. But, my real gift, my reward is when he walks through the door safe and sound. The real reward is his presence.
Our true, most precious reward is the presence of God in our lives. He promises that when we seek after him he will reward us. The reward is Him.
I feel like that little kid today wanting to show off my gift that my Father gave me. The one that tells of his love for me. His very real presence in my life.
He is and always will be, My Very Great Reward!