Finding Joy in Suffering & Success: Rewards in Heaven

Rewards in Heaven: Finding Joy in Suffering and Success

Have you ever wondered how to find true and lasting happiness in the midst of suffering and success? Jesus offers us a secret that can protect our joy and anchor our happiness in any circumstance. In this article, we will explore the concept of rewards in heaven and how they can bring us joy, regardless of our current situation.

Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, taught his disciples about the blessings of the kingdom of heaven. He said, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Matthew 5:11). This may seem counterintuitive - how can we be blessed when we are being persecuted or slandered? But Jesus goes on to say, "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:12).

Here, Jesus reveals that our happiness is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the promise of a great reward in heaven. He tells us to rejoice and be glad, not because of the suffering itself, but because of the reward that awaits us. This reward is not just any reward, but the fullness of the glory of Jesus Christ. Our joy is anchored in the hope of experiencing the beauty and majesty of Christ in all his glory (John 17:24).

This promise of a great reward in heaven protects our happiness from the threat of persecution and reviling. When others revile us or speak evil against us falsely, we can take comfort in the fact that our reward in heaven is secure. Our joy is not dependent on the opinions or actions of others, but on the promise of a future reward.

Similarly, Jesus warns his disciples not to find their joy in ministry success. In Luke 10:20, he says, "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." The disciples were excited because even the demons were subject to them in Jesus' name, but Jesus redirects their joy to the greater reward of heaven.

By reminding them to rejoice in the fact that their names are written in heaven, Jesus protects their joy from the fleeting nature of success. He assures them that their inheritance in heaven is infinite, eternal, and secure. Our joy is safe from the threat of success because our reward in heaven far surpasses any earthly achievement.

So how can we apply this teaching to our own lives? First, we need to shift our focus from our present circumstances to the promise of a future reward. When we face suffering or persecution, we can find comfort and joy in the fact that our reward in heaven is great. Our suffering is temporary, but our reward is eternal.

Second, we need to guard against finding our joy in worldly success. While it is natural to celebrate when things go well, we must remember that true and lasting joy can only be found in the promise of heaven. Our names are written in heaven, and that is where our ultimate joy lies.

To further understand the concept of rewards in heaven, let's explore some additional references from the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 3:14, Paul writes, "If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward." Here, Paul speaks of the rewards that believers will receive based on their faithful service to God. Our actions and deeds in this life have eternal consequences, and God promises to reward us accordingly.

In Revelation 22:12, Jesus himself says, "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." This verse emphasizes the certainty of our future reward. Jesus will come again, and he will bring with him the rewards that he has prepared for his faithful servants.

As we think about rewards in heaven, it is important to remember that they are not earned by our own efforts or good works. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), and our rewards in heaven are a result of God's grace and generosity. We do not strive for rewards to earn God's favor, but out of love and gratitude for what he has done for us.

In conclusion, the concept of rewards in heaven offers us a source of true and lasting joy. Our happiness is not dependent on our circumstances, whether they be suffering or success. Instead, our joy is anchored in the promise of a great reward in heaven - the fullness of the glory of Jesus Christ. By shifting our focus to the future reward and guarding against finding our joy in worldly success, we can experience the invincible joy that Jesus offers us.

So, let us rejoice and be glad, knowing that our reward in heaven is secure. Let us find our true happiness in the promise of being in the presence of our Savior for all eternity. And let us live our lives in light of this hope, faithfully serving God and seeking to bring him glory in all that we do. May the concept of rewards in heaven bring us joy and peace in every circumstance of life.