When our children were young, my wife and I gave them money to buy Christmas presents for us. Why not simply buy the socks or slippers ourselves? Because it meant a great deal to our kids. They wanted to give as well as receive presents, even if it meant using our money.
This helps me understand God’s rationale for rewards. Those who joyfully suffer persecution, give a cup of water, or love their enemies in Jesus’ name “will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 5:11-12; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:35). Various crowns are promised to those who “patiently endure testing and temptation,” sacrificially lead the church, and persevere until the end (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 3:11).
The hope of rewards can be as exciting as Christmas morning, until we realize we’re going to give them all back. If we’re going to cast our crowns at Jesus’ feet anyway (Revelation 4:10-11), what’s the point?
That is the point. We’ll stand before Jesus with absolutely nothing except what He’s graciously given us. We’ll be naked if not robed in His righteousness (Revelation 7:13-14), our head uncovered, if not wearing the crowns He provides.
These gifts are from God, achieved only through His sustaining power. But they’re also gifts for God. God knows His children need to give back to their Father who has given them everything. We may not realize it yet, but when we “fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne” and sing “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power,” we’re going to want to offer Him something (Revelation 4:10-11).
God knows our needs long before we do, and He’s already taken care of it. May we serve Him faithfully, celebrating the great gift of His love for us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Timothy 6:3-21
More:
Read Matt. 25:14-30 to see how some servants were rewarded (or not!) for being good stewards of what their master gave them.
Next:
You don’t have to wait until heaven to give something to Jesus. What has He given you that you can share with others in His name today?
Gary Shultz on December 12, 2016 at 5:54 am
Hi Mike: I suppose it does sound rather meaningless as we give back what has been given to us. However, I’m sure it will bring pleasure to God to reward us, and as you state a fitting response returning them, knowing where they came from. One thing will not be given back, the relationship that laid the opportunity for the reward. In the gaining of rewards one must obey and draw close to the person that would share in the Spirit the work worthy of rewards. We will and should give God the glory, but we will ever be marked with joy in obeying and serving, that we get to keep. The strength of the fellowship, the joy of God’s presence, and the acts of serving, bringing the deeper relationship. Once again it falls on faith, do we really believe, do we really strive for what is beyond earthly sight? If we do there will be much to share with others in His name. Thanks Mike, Christmas, what a time to share, blessings.
Mike Wittmer on December 12, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Gary, you make an interesting point about relationships. We do get to keep our relationship with God, but that relationship itself is marked by giving. Are relationships one of the few things we keep only by giving? I need to ponder this some more. Thanks for your insight!
Tom Felten on December 12, 2016 at 10:04 am
Mike, I’m reminded of what James wrote: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17). Since He created everything, including the lights in the heavens, He is so worthy to receive all our praise, worship, everything!
Mike Wittmer on December 12, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Tom, I’ve been reading a book on creation, and every once in a while I stopped and considered how little we know about creation, and how it is entirely dependent on God. There was nothing but God, and then there was us. I can’t imagine how, but here we are. As James says, literally everything we enjoy comes entirely from God. This is unfathomable, and you’re right, must lead us to praise.
hsnpoor on December 12, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Our Father who is in Heaven invites us to cast our cares on Him because he cares for us and when we do, he is faithful to rescue us in the best possible way. How would/could we not get and be excited by the prospect of casting our earthly crowns at his feet in gratitude and worship? What do we have that God doesn’t already own?