Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)
In the previous devotion, we addressed the fact that God rewards the righteous for their obedience to Him. It may be that we are rewarded in this life in some measure, or it might be that treasures are being laid up for us when we enter into the Kingdom that is to come. As we discussed, whether in this life or the next, the reward is calibrated to match the action on our part: i.e. deeds performed before all and for the sake of our fellow man may be rewarded in this life that all might see. On the other hand, deeds performed without anyone’s knowledge, save the Almighty, will likely be rewarded in the world to come.
The Messiah made it very clear that there are, indeed, certain things we are to do in private so as not to call undue attention to us. For instance, He advised that when fasting, “Do not be like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast … do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). Take notice of the fact that those who do publicly what should be done privately have already received their reward — no doubt, the recognition of men. But Messiah stressed that we are to seek our Father’s recognition who will, in time, reward us openly.
Does that necessarily mean it will come in this life? Maybe, but I think it is more likely that He was reminding us that, beyond this life, there is so much more to come — and it is exceedingly superior to anything we could experience now. So then, it is not better to receive our reward in the coming Kingdom — to be made His priests and rulers — than to enjoy a few benefits in a world that is passing away? Knowing that we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of the Messiah, we should strive to be faithful at all times, including when we are “in the presence of the sons of men,” that is publicly.
On that note let us conclude with this thought: as well as deeds we are to perform in private, there are those things we are to do for all to see. As we do these things, it should never bring glory to ourselves, but to the Father. And thus it is written: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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