Have you read the previous messages about knowing God through Abraham? This is a follow-up on the last one.
Having descendants within the covenant, as we saw in the previous message, is almost like leaving a legacy. Abraham just had to be there for the Lord so He could accomplish what He had planned. Abraham was the father of faith and he only needed to exercise faith to enable the Lord to achieve what He desired. Even though Abraham’s faith waivered at times, e.g. in Genesis 17:17 where Abraham laughed at God’s promise, it gave God the mandate to set the scene for His new nation and covenant with Abraham and his descendants, as well as for Jesus’ coming and our resulting faith.
We said in our previous message that we are Abraham’s descendants and because we are part of the covenant, we also have spiritual descendants as a direct result of our obedience in Christ. This gives us hope to live for. We are all gifted in one way or another (Romans 12:6-8: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:6-8&version=NIV1984) and also have the Holy Spirit gifts available to make a difference to our world (1 Corinthians 12:1-11: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:1-11&version=NIV1984). Just as Abraham didn’t really have a clue where God was headed and simply believed, we neither have a clue what would become of our efforts in God’s greater plan. “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known,” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We mentioned in our previous message that if only the person, who led e.g. Billy Graham to the Lord, knew what his inheritance would look like.
As we work within our gifting, we do not always see the results we desire (Hebrews 11:39-40: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2011:39-40&version=NIV1984). I for instance write these teachings every single morning, since I believe the Lord has gifted and anointed me to do it, and if I stay obedient and faithful, the Lord is going to use these teachings to touch individuals significantly enough to make a difference in their immediate surroundings.
Can you see that you just need to be faithful in using your gifts and talents, for then God can use and multiply it to suit His greater plan? Maybe you’ve served faithfully in church as an usher and by that made it possible for the other gifts, such as teaching, evangelism and pastoral work, to function smoothly. The descendants from their work – souls saved and discipled – will be accredited to you as well. The same applies to giving wisely where money would be used for the proclamation of the gospel. Maybe you’ve looked after an ill relation for many years and feel at times your life is wasted. However, you don’t know how many people have found Christ because they’ve seen or heard of your sacrifice and praised the Lord through it. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:16). These descendants are accredited to your covenant with the Lord in Christ.
The Lord mentions rewards at various occasions in the Bible. I doubt if it would have anything to do with materialism, since the latter is a human concept. I am convinced that changed and saved people make out most, if not all of our reward. We will be so pleased to see all these souls in heaven and be told that it is due to our faithfulness that they are there. When we have contributed to their understanding of God and to their holiness, they will be even more pleased, since their rewards will be greater because of our faithfulness to show them the way.
Lord, help me to be faithful.
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.
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