Rewards

Some will have noticed that there is a lot of sport around at present - tennis, cricket, football, golf, Olympics, F1 motor racing and much more besides. And everyone is hoping to win, or do better than expected, and to reap the rewards of their good performances.

People in business are often looking for the rewards from their work, or their business, and those playing games on TV, such as Big Brother or The Apprentice, are also looking for rewards from their public humiliations and performances.

Jesus surprisingly speaks of the rewards that his followers can look forward to, and what he says is very startling.

' “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.' (Matthew 5.11-12)

Yesterday, at Church, we had a great example of people being ready, in public, and with heart's full of conviction and commitment, to state publicly that they are wholehearted followers of Jesus, as they were baptised or re-affirmed their baptism. That was wonderfully encouraging for us as we watched.

But Jesus is realistic, is reminding us that the same world that killed God's prophets and crucified the Son of God is also likely to dish out that same treatment to Jesus' followers. While the pains of persecution and suffering for Jesus may be high, the rewards are solid and eternal. So let us encourage one another with this promise from Jesus. The best is yet to be!

Best wishes,

Richard