The Great Rewarder

Matthew 6 is a powerful reminder that God delights in giving rewards to His children. When believers engage in genuine acts of giving, praying, and fasting, God promises to reward them openly. This promise reveals an essential aspect of God's character: He is a Rewarder.

Throughout the Bible, God is known by many names, reflecting His different attributes and roles in the lives of His people. While many are familiar with names like The Healer and The Deliverer, fewer people recognize God as The Rewarder. By exploring various scriptures, we can gain a deeper appreciation of this lesser-known aspect of God's character.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God and reveals that He is indeed a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Another instance of God rewarding His people can be found in Genesis 15:1, where God speaks to Abram (later renamed Abraham), saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." Here, God assures Abram of His protection and promises to be His reward, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His people.

In Psalm 19:9-11, the psalmist writes, "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them, Your servant is warned, And in keeping them, there is great reward." This passage highlights the value of following God's commandments and the reward that comes from obedience.

God's promise to reward is also evident in 2 Chronicles 15:7, where the prophet Azariah encourages King Asa of Judah by saying, "But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!" This assurance demonstrates God's faithfulness in rewarding those who remain steadfast and committed to His work.

Another good example of such an open reward can be found in Daniel Chapter 1. While in Babylonian captivity, his fasting—even partial fasting of certain foods—brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire.

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17)

Later, in chapter 10, Daniel was grieved and burdened with the revelation he had received for Israel. He ate no choice breads or meats and drank no wine for three weeks. Then he describes the angel that was sent to him—which had been delayed by the prince of Persia for twenty-one days—with the answers Daniel sought. His fast broke the power of the delayer and released the angels of God so that God's purposes could be revealed and served.

The Great Rewarder

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