Sure Reward Series

Psalm 91 - Study 20 - A Sure Reward

We read in Psalm 91:8, “Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.” (NKJV)

The word that we will study in depth from the above mentioned verse is the word ‘reward’. For every action of ours we can be certain that there is a retribution. Let’s see what the word of God has to say about this.

The reward for praying in secret

Jesus said in Matthew 6:6, “But you, whenever you pray, enter into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.” (EMTV)

In these trying times when calamity engulfs us, many have grown weary in their prayer life. God wants to reassure such that there is definitely a reward for those who pray fervently. The time we spend alone in the presence of God, behind shut doors is not in vain, for the Lord will surely give us due recompense and answer our prayers. Constant viewing of news on television and cell phones with its numerous social media apps has left the majority filled with fear and dread. The word of God reminds us that He is faithful and willing to answer our prayers that are being offered to Him in secret.

The reward for giving in secret.

In Matthew 6:3-4 we read, “But when you do charitable giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your charitable giving may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will Himself reward you openly.”(EMTV)

In this passage we understand that there is a reward for those who help others in need. There are many people extending charity to those in want, but often these are done with much publicity on social media. The word of God exhorts us that our giving to others should always be done unobtrusively, for only then the Lord will reward us openly. Often we make excuse for not giving to others citing that we have limited means ourselves. However, it is good to remember that as long as we live on this earth, there will always be those who are less fortunate than we are. It is therefore our responsibility to do all we can to seek out such people and help them in whatever way is possible for us. Not only does God observe the giver, but also the heart of the one who receives it. He perceives our inmost thoughts and intentions, and when we do as He wills, the Lord will certainly reward us.

The man who prayed and gave alms

There is a record of such a man who excelled in prayer and alms giving in the Acts of the Apostles.

We read about him in Act 10:4, “And (Cornelius) looking intently at him (the angel) and becoming fearful he said, "What is it, lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.” (EMTV)

This man was Cornelius, who was a Roman Centurion. He was one in authority, with much responsibilities entrusted to him. He had under his command a hundred Roman soldiers. In spite of the position he held, Cornelius had time to pray and also to give alms to the poor. Cornelius was distinguished and stood apart from many of his contemporaries. His prayers and alms were noted by God and Cornelius found favor with God.

The life of Cornelius is a reminder to us that for every prayer that we offer to the Lord and every charitable deed that we do in secret, the Lord is mindful of and will surely call it to remembrance one day.

Not all soldiers were like Cornelius

We read in Luke 3:14, Likewise the soldiers also were asking him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages." (EMTV)

These are the words of John the Baptist to the soldiers who desired to know what they were required to do, to enter the kingdom of God. There were three things that John the Baptist cautioned them about. Firstly, they were not to intimidate others simply because they had the power and authority to do so. Secondly, He advised them that no one should be falsely accused and charged. Thirdly, he instructed them that they must learn to be satisfied with the wages that they received.

To those is authority, it is always advisable to remember that the authority they exercise was primarily given to them by God Himself. It is therefore important that we be faithful to God and also that this power be used solely for the purpose that it has been entrusted to us for. It is unacceptable for one to misuse this authority to ill-treat others. If we observe the three-fold advice that John the Baptist gave, we will realize that many have failed in this, have misused their power and position, thereby causing much pain and confusion. This does not in any way mean that all the ones who are in authority are unjust, for there are those who like Cornelius are fair and upright. Cornelius waited patiently and received his reward from the Lord. However, there are many who are impatient and want to receive their accolades immediately without waiting for God’s timing.