Whom Does God Reward?

According to Jesus, those who perform good works in order to be seen by others, and thus to gain glory, will receive a reward. They get what they want: Glory from men. “They have their reward,” Jesus wryly remarks. In other words, they have already gained what they sought, which is a good reputation on earth. On the other hand, those who give to the poor or who pray to God in secret get a better reward. Since they seeking only to please God, not men, they allow only Him to know what they are doing. In return, He will reward them. He will answer their prayers and grant to them all that they really need. He will draw them ever deeper into intimate communion with Himself. He will give them peace of mind, since they know that He will take care of them. Finally, He will give them an inheritance in the eternal kingdom when Jesus returns to establish a new heaven and a new earth. So, let us look deeper at these people whom God rewards. They seek glory from God, not men. They are not looking for “face” or reputation among fellow sinners. They do not have their eyes focused on what is seen, but in Him who is unseen. They seek an eternal, rather than a temporary, happiness. What drives them? How can they escape the constant pressure to please people and not God? In one word, faith! They believe God’s word, especially His promises. They trust that He will do what He has said He will for those who rely on Him alone. They believe that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). They walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). They shut out the noises of this world and enter into their private place of quiet contemplation; there, they hear the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12). They are poor in spirit; they mourn their sins; they are meek before God, demanding nothing but His presence and favor; they hunger and thirst for righteousness. They trust not in themselves or in other finite and fallen creatures, but in the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of the world. They come to God empty handed, with nothing to offer but their poverty and their praise. They look to Him and to Him alone. As a handmaiden looks to her mistress, so they look to their God – for direction, provision, protection. They lean on Him, rely on Him, depend on Him, trust in Him. These are the ones whom God richly rewards!