The Reward of Relationship

When we serve and sacrifice in life, there is an expectation of reward. Peter, one of Jesus most ardent followers was not shy about his expectations. Peter's bold desires were laid bare for all to see in the gospel of Matthew. (See chapter 19: 27-30) Peter speaking, "We've given up everything to follow you, What will we get out of it?"

  Within all of us are not so hidden expectations of reward and payback for doing good. If I do the right thing, shouldn't I be recognized and rewarded?  Is it wrong to expect reward?  Jesus answers Peter concerns very clearly in the next few verses.   And Jesus replied, "I assure you that when I, the Son of Man, sit upon my glorious throne in the Kingdom, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who have given up houses or brothers of sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life. But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."

  Jesus is describing what I call "the divine reversal".  There will come a day when all things will be made right in the universe. There is very real sacrifice involved in doing the right thing now. Often the cost involved in following God in the way of love will involve being rejected by the power brokers of this world. Jesus was killed for doing the right thing..... and being the righteous One. Can we expect any less as we follow him in the way of love?

  The divine irony is when we lose, we still win....ultimately. But here I want to probe a little deeper. The ultimate reward for following God in the way of sacrificial love is Him. The last book of the Bible is known as the book of Revelation. In it we see the unveiling of the future for those who have ears to ear what God is trying to reveal. The dominant message of this unveiling is the presence of God at the center of everything. In the future that God has prepared, there is a removal of the striving for things, positions or power to prove our significance. God's first call is always to himself.... to relationship.  While we strive even in our religion to 'do something', God' first word to us is always, 'Come to Me'.

  What do you want from God? What are you asking for in prayer? Do you want something or do you want Him?
  Ultimately, the real reward and everything God has for you is meant to flow out of relationship. Until and unless you understand that divine reality,  you'll be worshiping an idol and not the real God. God is love... and love desires relationship. 

Jim