Our Rewards in Heaven

0:00Here's today's in-touch devotion. Today's scripture reading is Matthew chapter 6, verses 16 through 20. Jesus said, When ever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your father who is in secret. And your father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.

1:02Have you ever thought about what type of rewards you're going to receive in heaven? When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will be evaluated on the basis of what we've received. That is, the truth God has made available to us, and what we've done with the opportunities we were given. Furthermore, some specific actions and attitudes will result in special acknowledgment. For instance, Matthew's Gospel says there is a great reward stored up in heaven for those who are insulted and persecuted for Jesus' sake. Elsewhere, the Lord tells us that acts of kindness done for His followers will be noted and rewarded. Even a cup of water given to a thirsty person will not be overlooked on judgment day. Other actions that draw the Father's special attention are love directed toward enemies and lending without expectation of repayment. These behaviors will bring great reward and the designation sons of the most high.

2:04Sometimes others seem to prosper and reap a great harvest without even noticing how we prepare the soil. Yet God assures us that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters will be overlooked. The Lord sees each detail and everything done for His sake will be rewarded.