Rewarder

Respectfully I sat at yet another banquet. The weariness of my body made it difficult for my mind to capably connect with the speaker. Suddenly, across the screen flashed a scripture verse. 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.”

The Holy Spirit reached through my weary mind to indelibly write upon my heart . . . “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” It isn’t a constant seeking without ever finding. He is a rewarder! He fills the longing of our heart – grants our deepest desires when we DELIGHT ourselves in HIM!

Delighting in someone or something brings a smile to the lips – joy to the heart. There is anticipation to talk with them, be with them, and hear what they have to say – share your joys, your hurts, your sorrows. You delight in them because you trust them, love them, and enjoy being with them.

The relationship we can have with Christ brings an intimacy only known from within. Scripture tells us when we worship Him; we worship in spirit and in truth. We delight in WHO He is. We are THRILLED at what He has done for us – and what He is doing. But our truest worship comes when we can successfully focus our eyes on WHO HE IS!

He doesn’t bait us to seek Him – and never allow Himself to be found. He doesn’t command us to have no other gods but He – and not reward our obedience. He is a Perfect God. Perfect in Love, in justice, in holiness – and forever above all.

When Jesus walked this earth He was a consistent rewarder of faith. Don’t you love the story of the men who literally “went through the roof” to find Him? (Mark 2:1-12) Their belief in who He was and what He would do for their friend ignited a passion that took them beyond all odds to get to Him. The crowd was too much for them to get “through” but they still found a way. Their faith was too strong – the need was too great – they had come too far to go back – whatever the reason, they would NOT be deterred for the reason they came.

Was Jesus amused at the response around Him when they literally came through the roof? I have no idea if He was amused, or amazed, but He was faithful. He responded to their faith by rewarding it. The man was forgiven of his sins . . . AND healed!

Make no mistake about it. Our God takes notice when we seek – He sees our faith – even as small as mustard seed. He sees, He smiles, and He rewards!

Take it with You

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5)