Matthew 10:40-42 ESV Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.
My wife and I shop at a specific grocery store because they give us points toward free gas with every purchase. We use a specific credit cards because we earn cash back with every purchase which we can redeem in gift cards. Basically, we get rewarded for doing what we need to do anyway – buy groceries and make purchases.
Jesus says God does something similar. He rewards us for doing what we should be doing. The motivation is different though. Businesses reward us as a marketing ploy. God rewards us because He loves giving good gifts to His children.
God speaks to us in various ways, including through other people such as preachers, teachers, and prophets. We are expected to discern if their message is true or not. If what they say fits with the Bible and the Holy Spirit then we should receive their message and act upon it. When we do so God rewards us. Receiving a message from God is enough by itself. Whatever reward God gives is extra.
Jesus goes on to explain that we will receive the same reward for receiving the message as the one who presents the message will get for faithfully delivering it. God rewards us just for being obedient.
Jesus does not specify what the rewards are but it seems to be something that accumulates for eternity. One you get the reward you will never lose it.
Many people have a wrong view of God. Some think that He sits up in heaven looking to catch us sinning so He can blast us. I used to be one of those people. I lived in fear of God’s wrath but had little understanding of his love and compassion. Thankfully over time, God has allowed me to see Him in a more realistic way.
It is true, we should fear God’s wrath. Every good father disciplines his children for their own good. Sometimes the fear of punishment helps the children do what is right. But no good father wants to punish his children. He would much prefer to praise and give rewards for right behavior. God, being the perfect father, is the same way. He does punish when necessary but He prefers to give blessings and looks for opportunities to do so.
Thank You Heavenly Father for being so good, merciful, and generous to us. Help us to live in a manner that delights You.