Rewards
“Here is a list of the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir. Joshua gave their lands as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel according to their tribal divisions.”
Today’s Text: Joshua 12:1-24 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Like the Israelites, those who are saved through faith in Jesus Christ also have an inheritance from the Lord (Acts 20:32; Col 3:24).
I think that evangelical preachers are generally uncomfortable talking about our inheritance. By grace through faith, we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we publicly confess with our mouths “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9).
However, the New Testament seems to suggest that there is an inheritance that we receive as a part of our salvation. I have not studied the theology of inheritance, so I cannot speak with much confidence about it. Nevertheless, at least on the surface, the New Testament seems to indicate that we will not all receive the same inheritance, even if we all receive the same salvation.
And to me, if that is true, that is pretty mind-blowing, because it should have very huge implications for how we live out our faith today. Maybe that is why James says -
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.
— James 1:9-10
Our reward in heaven is certainly not about how materially poor or wealthy we are in this life. Rather, it must have to do with our heart posture toward Christ and His kingdom, including our attitude about His church.
Do we make seeking (that is, living for) His kingdom and His righteousness the priority of our lives? Because that is what “seek first” means. Or do we make seeking worldly rewards and comforts the priority of our lives?
We all sacrifice time, money, and other resources for the sake of material goals. And that is perfectly fine. But are we making it a priority to sacrifice time, money, and other resources for the sake of spiritual goals?
And by the way, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness is not merely about getting deeper Bible knowledge personally. Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness is about being mindful of and attending to the needs of others.
In the kingdom of God, the airplane travel analogy of putting your own mask on first doesn’t apply.
At the same time, we must not think that putting the needs of others before our own as being a mutually exclusive things. Even in airplane travel, you put on your mask first, AND THEN you put on someone else’s mask. In the kingdom of God, you put on someone else’s mask first, and then you put your own mask on—or better yet! allow someone to put your mask on.
Because we are saved by grace, we will be rewarded by grace too. All of us who are saved will receive a great inheritance in heaven—that is, eternal life. The worst inheritance in heaven is far greater than the greatest inheritance we can receive in this life. And yet, is it wrong to want an even greater inheritance in heaven?
Father, If I am off the mark in my thinking, would You correct it. Whatever the case, continue to build me up as Your servant. Let it be my joy to serve You and serve others in anticipation of a great reward ahead. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
