If the project succeeded, he expected a raise. Maybe even a promotion…
Our toddler granddaughter had been very good…
and she knew it.
Looking at us with an expectant twinkle in her eye, she asked a one word question, “Cookie?”
In just a few months he would retire after more than 30 years of serving churches. He hoped he had served the people well. He loved them. Did they love him?
For what reward do we work everyday?
“I’ll earn more money…”
“My family will love me more…”
“People will respect me…”
Do we expect to get rewards “automatically” when we do things for God?
What did Jesus say about that expectation?
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
But surely he didn’t really mean that?
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mathew 5:11-12
Sometimes we can even make our desire for earthly reward sound very pious…
“Maybe if I’m a better Christian, I’ll bring more people to Christ…”
Where did Jesus look for His reward?
Consider the story of the washing of the feet..
he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:5
For whom did Jesus perform that task?
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
not for human masters,
Colossians 3:23
From whom did Jesus expect a reward for that act of humility?
The disciple who would betray Him?
The eleven other disciples who would desert him?
The crowds who would call for His death?
Jesus performed a humble task, with no hope of earthly reward, and then he said…
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15
