“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’”
Genesis 15:1
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The reward of a thing well done is having done it.” I understand his point, but I seem to always reach for a reward when I finish a difficult task. The joy of accomplishing it is just not enough; I feel like I deserve an extra cup of coffee or a sweet treat (and then my edible rewards leave a lingering residue of guilt and regret!).
God’s reward is so much more satisfying than a dessert or any momentary prize. His rewards can be found in the Bible, when a sudden realization of truth becomes clear for the first time. His reward may be an answer to a prayer you’d forgotten about. Ultimately, God’s reward to us is Himself. “I am your shield, your very great reward.”
As we have seen this month, God gives us many good and perfect gifts (James 1:17); He speaks to us (Job 33:14); He prays for us (John 17:20); He nourishes us (Deuteronomy 8:3); He satisfies us (Psalm 145:16). We lack no good thing because according to His compassion He rewards us with His very self, our true and great reward.
God’s reward is so much more satisfying than a dessert or any momentary prize. His rewards can be found in the Bible, when a sudden realization of truth becomes clear for the first time. His reward may be an answer to a prayer you’d forgotten about. Ultimately, God’s reward to us is Himself. “I am your shield, your very great reward.”
As we have seen this month, God gives us many good and perfect gifts (James 1:17); He speaks to us (Job 33:14); He prays for us (John 17:20); He nourishes us (Deuteronomy 8:3); He satisfies us (Psalm 145:16). We lack no good thing because according to His compassion He rewards us with His very self, our true and great reward.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 15:1-4
Insight
“Jesus, You’re my Great Reward/ You are my portion, Lord/ And while in heaven You plead for me/ Draw my every thought to Thee.” (Shane Barnard, 2009)
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 11-12
- Psalm 31
- Mark 11
