Rewarding Vision!

Rewards. Many people want credit cards that offer cash back rewards. They like purchases that reward them with more frequent flier miles. Some will do almost anything if there is a reward in it for them. However, could there be some rewards being overlooked in the process? Some people have discarded things of great value without realizing it and others have benefited in the finding. For example (as reported in the November 6, 1995 issue of “U.S. News & World Report”) a garbage truck driver in Peabody, Massachusetts once noticed in a garbage container a Wendy’s soft drink cup on which was a contest sticker. Having won a chicken sandwich the week before, he checked it hoping for some French fries or a soft drink. What he found instead was a sticker worth $200,000 toward the construction of a new home.

How true it is that what we get out of life depends a lot on what we are setting our eyes upon. That which some trash may be seen by others as a potential treasure. Also, what some treasure could possibly distract from that which truly should be treasured.

Consider the example of Moses. Imagine growing up in Pharaoh’s palace. Think of all the benefits that were his. How easy it all could have been allowed to distract him from how God would ultimately use him.

The Hebrew writer noted the following about Moses.
“(24) By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, (25) choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (26) HE CONSIDERED THE REPROACH OF CHRIST GREATER WEALTH THAN THE TREASURES OF EGYPT, FOR HE WAS LOOKING TO THE REWARD.” ( Hebrews 11:24-26 ESV)

Moses was described here as LOOKING WELL BEYOND what was immediately before him. He had his sights on a reward, but it was not the treasures of Egypt. In faith Moses LOOKED WELL BEYOND even the delivering of Israel from Egyptian bondage to blessings of the coming Messiah. He LOOKED BEYOND the visible to “him who is invisible.” ( Hebrews 11:27) Faith seeing such as that has its reward from God.

Earlier in this chapter the Hebrew writer stated…
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God MUST BELIEVE that HE EXISTS AND that HE REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.” ( Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

Where have we set our focus? Are we so nearsighted that we are missing the real rewards God has in store for us? We will more easily resist the “pleasures of sin” and the “treasures of” this world when our eyes are fixed on the true rewards of God. His rewards may not be immediate, but they will ultimately come and will most assuredly be worth the wait. May we keep our focus on them as we press on in this realm.

Have a great day LIVING WITH A FARSIGHTED FAITH!
Carl

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