Job 36:11-12 If they obey and serve him,
    they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
    and their years in contentment.
But if they do not listen,
    they will perish by the sword
    and die without knowledge.

Elihu is here talking about kings, but this essentially applies to anyone. It’s actually very simple: if we listen to God and obey Him, things go well for us, but if we don’t, they don’t. This of course doesn’t guarantee easy street for anyone. As Solomon noted, “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) As Jesus noted, even to His closest disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) However, the general rule of thumb is expressed here: following God gives a better outcome. The thing is, our reward for faithfulness doesn’t necessarily come in this life. I spoke again just recently on the fact that the Bible speaks of martyrdom as victory. (Revelation 12:11) We aren’t to follow God because of the perks in this life, but because He is more than worthy of our total devotion. And as has been said, His “retirement benefits” are out of this world!

I have had a general idea of heaven for as long as I can remember, but the older I get, the sharper that comes into focus. I have learned the hard way that failing to listen obediently results in unnecessary “skinned knees” and “black eyes.” However, I have also learned the joys of fellowship with my Lord, of experiencing Him speaking and acting through me, lifting people up and drawing them to Him. That is plenty of reward right there! It is my awareness of Him in the here-and-now that gives me such an anticipation of being with Him for eternity. I have plenty of “missed cues” in this world, but that won’t be an issue in heaven. I am totally on board with Paul’s statement that, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) God’s rewards for faithful obedience are sure, and more than worth working toward!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You’re doing in and around me. Thank You for the time online last night with my clinical psychologist/pastor friend, talking and praying about another friend who is in the middle of quite a trial. I do pray for Your perfect resolution to that situation. Thank You also for the interdenominational prayer meeting that will be here this morning. Thank You for the honor of being given responsibility for it. I didn’t have time for sufficient preparations for today, but guide us through it, and guide me in being fully prepared for next month. May all of Your plans for today, not just for here but around the world, be fulfilled as You desire, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!