“I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth – trust-worthy, straight-forward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right.” Isa 45:19 (Amplified)
As we bring our discussion of the question, who do you serve? to a conclusion, it seems appropriate to remind ourselves of the fact that God has not called us to serve Him in vain. He fully intends to reward us for everything we have done for and in His Name right in the here and now as well as in the hereafter. Religion would have us believe that it is piety to serve God without expecting anything in return, but Jesus Christ would have us know that He wants to reward us right here right now as well as later on in heaven when we would receive our final reward.
Hence His promise that “And anyone and everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for My Name’s sake will receive many [even a hundred] times more and will inherit eternal life.” Matt 19:29. Apostle Paul said that “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].” Heb 11:6
In other words, God wants to bless you right now and meet your needs. You don’t have to wait till you get to heaven before you start enjoying the abundance that Jesus Christ has secured for you through His death on the cross of Calvary. Also, you don’t need to hurry to heaven simply because life on earth has become unbearable. God wants you to first overcome in His Name here on earth, before He receives you as an overcomer in His presence. Hence, just as He said in our anchor passage, God is not a freeloader who profits from our service without giving something tangible back. He has promised us hundred-fold returns and that is a term no earthly business can match.
However, this will only become a reality in our lives as we approach Him in faith and full confidence that He would reward our efforts and shower His abundant blessings upon our lives. There is no other way to be blessed by God.
So, as you end this week of seeking to understand what it is to serve Him, why not claim His hundred-fold return on your service. If God has promised you houses, why are you still homeless? If God has promised you brothers and sisters, why are you still lonely? After all, the bible says that, “God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land”, Ps 68:6. If you are serving God rightly, desolation is not your portion. That is meant for those who rebel against His word and Lordship of their lives. So, claim what is yours by right today – a hundred-fold return on your service and spiritual investment, and let God bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Keep serving, but don’t forget to reap! Poverty never equals piety; It is a curse.
Prayer:
Lord, I eagerly await your blessing-inducing touch on my life today. I receive by faith that which your word already assures me. Cause your hundred-fold blessing to alight upon my life according to your word, so that my life may indeed glorify you. Amen.