In Matt 19:27-29, Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, asks Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” This is a genuine inquiry as he and the other disciples had indeed sacrificed much—leaving behind their families, livelihoods, and possessions—to follow Christ. God does not overlook the sacrifices made by those who follow Him, so Jesus answered Peter: “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matt 19:28-29 if care to compare this verse and Mark account in Mark 10:29-30; you will see that Christ took the matter very serious. Mark made it even clearer that the reward for those who follow Christ includes blessings “in this present age” and eternal life in the age to come.
The two types of rewards Jesus mentions—the present and the eternal—each play a crucial role in the Christian life. The problem arises when balance and attention are not given to both. Focusing too much on one at the expense of the other can lead to distortions in how we live out our faith.
In this life, God blesses us with peace, joy, provision, purpose, and a spiritual family. But the greatest rewards await us in eternity: eternal life, an inheritance in heaven, crowns of righteousness and life, and the joy of being in God’s presence forever. Most importantly, God Himself is our ultimate reward. We labour not for earthly gain, but for the joy of knowing and loving Him, both now and forever.
In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abraham, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” God does not offer Abraham a reward of material wealth or success; instead, He offers Himself. God is telling Abraham that His presence, His protection, and His fellowship are of far greater value than any earthly possession. The fullness of joy is found in God’s presence. Psa 16:11 declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The promise of eternal life is not just that we will escape suffering, but that we will be with God Himself, living in perfect communion with Him. In Rev 21:3-4, we are given a vision of this eternal reality: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
In eternity, all the fleeting pleasures and trials of this world will fade away, and what will remain is the glorious, eternal reward of being with God, knowing Him fully, and basking in His presence. Truly, as Psalm 73:25-26 declares: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
The Christian life is lived in the tension of the now and the not yet. We are called to live faithfully in the present, experiencing God’s care and provision, while always keeping our eyes on the ultimate reward—eternal life with God. Both present and eternal rewards are part of the richness of God’s promise to us, and when we hold them in balance and in right perspective, we live with joy, purpose, and hope in every season of life.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk