Be glad... About your heavenly reward.
Matthew 5
Just a few verses in we see Jesus' resolute perspective on Earthly life. In a nutshell, it's imperative to make this life count for the next.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12 ESV)
If there is one thing that harnesses the theme of Jesus ministry in the Word it is that what we do here matters hereafter, take it seriously. Take it soberly, don't neglect planning for the afterlife, by works and perspective, and attitude toward enemies, lust, oaths, anger, etc... And on and on and on. Your life here matters for the afterlife.
I'm amazed at how much preaching today refuses to focus on this very important fact and central theme to Jesus's own teaching. We want our lives here to be comfortable and cozy. We want all the amenities of Earth without the hassels of discipleship.
Yet almost every parable of Jesus ends with judgment and/or reward.
Think He's trying to tell us something?
How busy are we planning for one year from now for five years for 10 years from now when we should be planning for 100 years from now?
In the context of verse 12, Jesus is talking about suffering and being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. That when you suffer for doing what's right you will be rewarded great ways. Why then should we complain when people take advantage of us or misuse us or abuse us as Christians? When we seem to "lose out" because we are followers of Christ?
For 2000 years Christianity has been unacceptable to many people. This will never stop. What must stop is complaining that we aren't comfortable down here right now.
We should never be.
PRAYER:
Father help me live with eternity in mind. More than I ever have before. Help me to stop having pity parties when serving Your purpose doesn't seem to reward me down here as much as other ventures in life. Forgive me for losing perspective. I ask that you remind me about eternity every day.
Just a few verses in we see Jesus' resolute perspective on Earthly life. In a nutshell, it's imperative to make this life count for the next.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12 ESV)
If there is one thing that harnesses the theme of Jesus ministry in the Word it is that what we do here matters hereafter, take it seriously. Take it soberly, don't neglect planning for the afterlife, by works and perspective, and attitude toward enemies, lust, oaths, anger, etc... And on and on and on. Your life here matters for the afterlife.
I'm amazed at how much preaching today refuses to focus on this very important fact and central theme to Jesus's own teaching. We want our lives here to be comfortable and cozy. We want all the amenities of Earth without the hassels of discipleship.
Yet almost every parable of Jesus ends with judgment and/or reward.
Think He's trying to tell us something?
How busy are we planning for one year from now for five years for 10 years from now when we should be planning for 100 years from now?
In the context of verse 12, Jesus is talking about suffering and being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. That when you suffer for doing what's right you will be rewarded great ways. Why then should we complain when people take advantage of us or misuse us or abuse us as Christians? When we seem to "lose out" because we are followers of Christ?
For 2000 years Christianity has been unacceptable to many people. This will never stop. What must stop is complaining that we aren't comfortable down here right now.
We should never be.
PRAYER:
Father help me live with eternity in mind. More than I ever have before. Help me to stop having pity parties when serving Your purpose doesn't seem to reward me down here as much as other ventures in life. Forgive me for losing perspective. I ask that you remind me about eternity every day.
Comments
Post a Comment