Our Instant Reward
This week for my personal devotions I’ve been reading about Abraham (born Abram). Throughout his life, Abraham was constantly torn between following and trusting in God vs. following the ways of the world. It’s a struggle we can really identify with!
For example, Abraham helped rescue his cousin Lot and a whole lot of other people who had been taken captive, along with all their possessions. The first thing he did after the successful mission was to give a tithe (10 percent) of everything to the priest. Then when the King of Sodom said, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself” (Genesis 14:21), Abram declined the offer.
It must have been tempting for Abraham to want to keep the bounty. After all, the best way to become secure is to amass wealth. Right?
I wonder if Abraham was feeling a bit discouraged when the Lord came to Abraham and said:
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Genesis 15:1-3 (NIV)
Abraham had done the right things, but he still did not have the blessing God promised. He had waited for years. You can sense his disappointment and frustration.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:4-6 (NIV)
Following God means losing out, sometimes, in the worldly sense – being honest with our finances, in our business transactions, and in interpersonal relationships can mean losing money, missing a promotion, or looking like a fool.
But our very great reward is God Himself, right now – His presence and revelation, to guide and sustain us.
So the next time you’re tempted to take a shortcut (“everybody does it”) or compromise (“the ends justify the means”), remember who we’re living for.
Don’t be motivated by fear (of missing out, of not having enough, of not being liked, etc.) but by faith in the great I AM.
He is our instant reward.
by: Jinha Kim
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14