In Genesis 15:1, God speaks to Abraham and tells him “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” This verse reveals an incredible truth – that God Himself is the greatest reward we could ever receive. Let’s explore what it means for God to be our “exceedingly great reward” and why He isgreater than anything this world has to offer.
God Himself is Our Reward
The key thing to notice in Genesis 15:1 is that God does not say He will give Abraham a great reward, but rather that He Himself is Abraham’s reward. God is not merely promising material blessings, but intimate fellowship with Himself. Other verses make this clear as well. Psalm 73:25-26 says “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God is the source of true satisfaction. Knowing Him intimately is the greatest reward we can have.
God is Better Than Any Earthly Reward
At times we are tempted to exchange an intimate walk with God for earthly rewards like money, fame, pleasure, or comfort. We think these things will make us happy and satisfy us. But God’s word tells us these things are insufficient compared to knowing Christ. Philippians 3:8 says “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” When we experience the love of God in Christ, we realize He is better than anything else!
God is an Inexhaustible Reward
The problem with earthly rewards is they eventually fade or let us down. But God is an eternal reward who continues to satisfy throughout all ages. Psalm 16:11 says “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” While worldly pleasures eventually grow old, knowing Christ brings new joy every morning for eternity. As we walk with Him each day, we discover fresh depths to His love and goodness that we never imagined.
How Can We Experience God as Our Reward?
If God Himself is the greatest reward imaginable, how do we experience Him as such in our lives? Here are some key ways:
- Seek Him first above all else (Matthew 6:33)
- Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
- Fix your eyes on unseen eternal things rather than visible temporary things (2 Corinthians 4:18)
- Make knowing Christ your highest goal in life (Philippians 3:8)
- Spend time daily in God’s word and prayer (Psalm 119:9-11)
- Obey God’s commands and prioritize pleasing Him (John 14:21)
- Fellowship with other believers and serve in the church (Hebrews 10:24-25)
As we seek the Lord with our whole hearts, we begin to experience Him more and more as our supreme joy and satisfaction. This transforms how we view every circumstance in life. Even in times of trial and suffering, we can have hope and contentment knowing Christ is always with us (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Why God is Greater Than Any Other Reward
Let’s explore some specific reasons why God Himself is greater than any other reward:
God’s Love is Unconditional and Never Fails
Unlike earthly relationships and pursuits, God’s love for us is unconditional and can never be lost. Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What confidence this brings!
God Forgives All Our Sins
We can never find complete cleansing from a guilty conscience through human means. But in Christ, all our sins are completely forgiven. Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Forgiveness found in Christ surpasses any temporary earthly relief.
God Gives Eternal Life
Earthly rewards eventually slip away, but God gives eternal rewards that last forever. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This life begins the moment we believe and continues for eternity in God’s presence when we die.
God Gives Meaning and Purpose
A life lived for earthly gain and pleasure alone leaves us feeling empty. God gives us meaning and purpose when we use our gifts to serve Him and store up eternal rewards in heaven. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Living for eternity fills our fleeting years here with significance.
God Gives Freedom From Sin’s Bondage
Sin often promises happiness but actually enslaves us. Serving God releases us from sin’s crushing weight. Romans 6:22 says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” The rewards of sin are fleeting, but joyfully serving Christ brings freedom that lasts.
God Gives Peace That Surpasses Understanding
Material rewards cannot bring lasting peace to our souls. But God gives a peace that transcends difficult circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This inner peace is priceless.
God Transforms Us Into Christ’s Likeness
Earthly rewards forsake us when we die, but God continues His transformative work of making us more like Jesus throughout eternity. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” Becoming like Christ brings true joy.
God Showers Spiritual Blessings Upon Us
The Christian life overflows with incredible spiritual blessings that far surpass any physical rewards. Ephesians 1:3 says God has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” These include gifts like wisdom, joy, hope, patience, and more which enrich our souls.
As this overview shows, God Himself is the greatest imaginable reward because of who He is and what He gives. If we have Christ, we have everything eternally. May we seek the Lord wholeheartedly, valuing fellowship with Him far above all that this world can offer.