Seek First: The Great Reward

In a world filled with endless pursuits and temporary rewards, what if the greatest prize we could ever seek isn't something we can hold in our hands? This message explores the profound truth that God Himself is our ultimate reward, and understanding this changes everything about how we live.

What Does It Mean to Seek First?

The foundation for seeking God first comes from Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 7:7-8: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, you will find, keep on knocking and the door will be open to you."

When we truly seek God first, we're not just adding Him to our list of priorities - we're making Him the center around which everything else revolves. This isn't about religious duty; it's about recognizing where true satisfaction and fulfillment are found.

Understanding Rewards in Our Lives

We all understand rewards. Whether it's a bonus at work, recognition for achievement, or even small treats we give ourselves, rewards motivate us and lift our spirits. There's nothing wrong with enjoying rewards or being motivated by them. The Bible actually has much to say about rewards.

But here's the key question: what is the greatest reward we should be seeking?

God Himself Is Our Great Reward

Genesis 15:1 reveals this profound truth: "After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Abraham. I am your shield. Your exceedingly great reward.'"

The great reward isn't a thing, an object, or a possession. It's God Himself. He is our greatest treasure.

Abraham's Story: Living in the In-Between

To understand this better, we need to look at Abraham's journey. God had called him to leave everything familiar and follow Him into the unknown, promising to make him the father of many nations. But by Genesis 15, Abraham found himself in what we might call "the in-between" - that scary place between God's promise and its fulfillment.

Abraham had stepped out in faith, but the promises hadn't yet materialized. He was 74 years old, his wife Sarah was barren, and humanly speaking, there seemed no way for God's promises to come true. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and afraid.

Can you relate to Abraham? Have you ever stepped out in faith only to find yourself in an uncomfortable place of uncertainty, wondering if you heard God correctly?

How the Great Reward Changes Everything

The Great Reward Reorders Our Desires

Psalm 37:4 tells us: "Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires." When we truly delight in God - when we put Him first and find deep joy and satisfaction in Him - something remarkable happens. Those external things that once seemed so important become less visible.

This doesn't mean we stop caring about important things in our lives. Rather, when we truly find satisfaction in Christ, our desires begin to align with His. We discover that when God is at the center, everything else finds its proper place.

The Great Reward and Then Some

God isn't anti-blessing. He's actually the reward giver. However, blessing should never be the foundation of our faith - it's what overflows because of it. If blessing were the foundation, our faith would only work when life is good.

The prophet Habakkuk understood this when he wrote: "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

When God is our great reward, He fills us first, and His goodness flows not just to us, but through us. This isn't about excess for comfort or status - it's about God's life extending beyond what we need so His goodness can bless others.

From External to Eternal Rewards

Most rewards in life are external - money, recognition, applause. While these aren't wrong to enjoy, there are rewards that far outweigh anything external: eternal rewards.

Eternal rewards aren't just about what we receive in heaven someday. They're about what God does through our faithfulness that continues beyond our lifetime. They're often seen in people, not possessions - lives changed, seeds planted that continue growing long after we're gone.

What Are Eternal Rewards?

Eternal rewards might include:

• Seeing people grow in their relationship with God
• Leading someone to Christ for the first time
• Serving faithfully in whatever capacity God has called you
• Making a difference in your workplace, family, or community
• Enduring through difficult seasons with faith intact

The Bible speaks of crowns given to faithful believers - the crown of life, the crown of righteousness, the imperishable crown, the crown of glory, and the crown of rejoicing. But here's the beautiful part: when we receive these crowns, we lay them down at Jesus' feet in worship.

The Promise for Those Who Seek First

Here's a promise you can hold onto: when you put God first, you won't go unfulfilled. When you truly seek Him above all else, you will find that He is more than enough.

Abraham didn't lose anything by trusting God - he gained everything God intended for him. He received an intimate relationship with God, was counted righteous by faith, was given the son he longed for, and became a blessing to all nations.

Life Application

This week, take time to honestly evaluate what you're seeking first in your life. Are you seeking God Himself as your great reward, or are you primarily focused on what He might give you?

Consider these questions:

• What occupies most of your thoughts and energy throughout the day?
• When you pray, are you more focused on God's hand (what He can give) or His face (who He is)?
• How would your priorities change if you truly believed that God Himself is your greatest reward?
• In what areas of your life do you need to trust God in the "in-between" seasons?

The challenge is simple but profound: make God your great reward this week. Delight in Him first, and watch how He reorders your desires and brings fulfillment that no external reward could ever provide. Remember, when God is at the center of your life, everything else will find its proper place.