Rewards of Grace – November 10, 2023

[Jesus said] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Matthew 5:11,12

Rewards of Grace

Jesus knows how ferocious and cruel life is in this sin-filled world. He knows that as you and I live and work, eat and sleep as children of light through faith in him, the forces of darkness will be pushing back. Satan, his demons, and all their allies will seize every chance to pull down, trip up, intimidate, distract, demoralize, and humiliate—anything at all to discourage us from our walk with the only Savior there is.

With all that in mind, Jesus has chosen to tell us something for the moments he knows will come. The moments when everything is too hard, the mountains of difficulty are too high, the darkness of despair is too thick, and the cackling voices of cynicism are too loud. It is for those moments he tells us, “I see you. I see what you are enduring. I will not forget you. I will acknowledge what you have suffered for my sake.”

Yes, the Lord promises to reward us. However, his reward has nothing to do with our merit or worthiness. It has everything to do with his merciful encouragement. It has everything to do with grace. It has everything to do with his undeserved love for you and me.

Out of grace he lived a perfect life on our behalf. Out of grace he suffered and died for our every sin. Out of grace he encourages us along the way, and he will lead us home.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the road is long, but you know this. Thank you for your rewards of grace to encourage me along the way. And thank you for the home that awaits. Amen.