Devotional: Eternal Rewards

Revelation 7:9-17

Abra is a dance instructor and a choreographer. She works part time at a dance studio. Abra has a second job at a bridal shop. She volunteers a lot of time working with others on their dance projects. Abra does not make a lot of money. I ask her why she volunteers so much of her time to help others instead of looking for work so that she can have more money. She replies, “Passion.” “I believe that the divine will supply my needs,” she says. She continues, “For the rewards; it’s giving back.”

In Revelation 7 John sees a great multitude of people dressed in white robes. One of the elders before the throne of God describes this multitude to John: ‘“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (v.14). The elder continues. He describes an eternal reward that awaits this multitude: ‘“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them’” (v. 15). ‘“They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes’” (v. 16-17). Why have these suffered? They had a passion for serving God as demonstrated through their faithfulness in trials and temptations. They were seeking a great reward in the Lord’s kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, continue to give us strength so that we will do what is right in Your eyes. We anticipate with great joy our permanent reward that You give to those who believe in You. Amen.