Scripture
Our verse today comes from Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Background & Application
Every five years the US census is done, and each of us is asked to give a bunch of information to enable the government to make its decisions and better administer its policies. Think about what the results would be if the citizens were asked how they felt about being obedient. Or what about humility? They would probably rank them somewhere between the joy of paying taxes and eating liver seven days a week. And why is that? I think it’s because we are so disobedient and prideful. We’re so concerned with being “true to ourselves” that we forget about just being true. We don’t see any value in being obedient unless it can lead to some bigger benefit.
Well, I could hardly think of a bigger benefit of obedience than being rewarded by God Almighty. Just like our natural tendency is to reward good behavior in our kids, and desire affirmation when we’ve done something well, God says He will reward obedience if we believe Him. And, He says it pleases Him. If we believe the first commandment in the Old Testament, and seek first His kingdom like Jesus says in the New Testament, then God will reward us. That’s who He is. How could that change the way we make our decisions? How could that change the way I serve my Lord? Knowing that my obedience pleases Him is a reward unlike any other. When we get our minds around that, our hearts won’t be satisfied with anything less.
Charge
As we pray today, let’s thank God for the blessings that come through obedience. Thank Him that He enables us to please Him. If you’re so inclined, you can even thank Him for liver.
