Reading
SAA Notes
It is a struggle to be content with God’s approval for good deeds. We like others to know of our sacrifices and appreciate us. These verses are a challenge to our hearts. When our philanthropy and prayer are trumpeted to the world – we lose our Father’s reward and regard.
SJA Notes
* Loving God, please teach us today from Your word.
“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Why do we do the things we do?
This is a very important line of questioning.
Are we motivated by a desire to look good in front of people?
Hear the warning Jesus has!
“Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Our purpose, the reason we do things, our motivations – They need to be founded in the Lord.
“And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
What is driving our desire to do good things?
Either we choose the reward of being seen and known and praised here on earth (earthly shadow, temporal, frail, will not last).
OR
We choose the reward of God seeing our labour from His throne (heavenly realities, eternal, our promised inheritance).
May we choose wisely!
* Father God,
Your word is clear.
What else have we to do but wrestle with our pride and selfishness and desire to be seen by those around us in the _now_ – And instead to put You first and foremost in our lives, our motivation in the _not yet_.
Please help us be and mark us as a people who are motivated by Your sight and Your reward.
Amen.