Completely Overwhelmed

5.3.2011

Matthew 20:16 16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” NIV

Okay, I admit it; I had to go to a commentary to get some insight on this verse. It’s repeated in various forms in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The term isn’t found in John at all. It means everyone is recognized as the same no matter how or when they enter the game. It is all about relationship. Only God can relate perfectly to all men equally (albeit individually) at the same time.

We tend to want to think that guys like Billy Graham are going to get a bigger slice of the pie when they get to heaven – that isn’t true because God is the “Pie” and we, who worship and serve Him, all get all of Him as our Reward. I don’t think there will be bigger mansions for better service – we’re all saved by the same God in the same way – through faith alone in all that He says and is – no one gets in any other way. True faith paves the way for true reward.

In Genesis 15, God told Abram (Abraham), “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) A literal translation reads, “I, your reward, will be very great.” God is so vast, none of us can or will ever be able to take all of Him in; or truly appreciate Him for His greatness. What will happen is we’ll be completely overwhelmed with Him from moment one, and then continue to be completely overwhelmed every subsequent ‘moment’ thereafter.

How God rewards us is with Himself; that’s the whole point of our faith. And that’s to be the point of our living. We don’t have to wait until heaven to be overwhelmed – we can be overwhelmed today – and every subsequent day thereafter. The child of God looks for the great Reward and walks this life mindful of, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Co 13:12)

Father in Heaven,
Today – which is all I have, You are my very great Reward! Amen!