Thou Art My Great Reward

I have been wrestling with a Biblical Truth recently that has profoundly impacted the way I view the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a Truth that has been foundational to following and loving Jesus, and being loved by Him! This Truth is no stranger to history or reality. It is at the very essence in purpose and eternal meaning.

Seeing my life, and more importantly, the Gospel of God, in light of this Truth has changed everything!

As I reflect on the last few weeks of my life, I have seen the Lord bring this Truth to the light in my life.
It can be summarized in the words of Dr. John Piper, “God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him!” Or as Dr. Piper states in the preface of his book, The Pleasures of God, “I ask people wherever I go: Do you feel loved by God because you believe he makes much of you, or because you believe he frees you and empowers you to enjoy making much of him?” (11).

…as I sift the scriptures, I see the writers of the Bible enthralled by the glory and supremacy of God, and seek utmost delight and satisfaction IN Him.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians chapter one, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and BE WITH CHRIST, for that is very much better…”

God, being the greatest and most supreme Source of joy and delight, is utmost in His own affections (this is discussed at length in Piper’s book, The Pleasures of God).
The Apostle Paul yearns to be in the presence of Jesus, and to drink from His divine fountain of delight. So my happiness and God’s glory are no longer at odds or competing with one another, but rather in their consummation, God is glorified and we enjoy Him in His glory – FOREVER.

This magnifies God’s love in sending Christ, His death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. It is a display of God’s infinite glory and beauty in orchestrating the redemption of His people. It is an immense display of His love for people, by calling them unto Himself, calling them to come and drink from this infinite joy.
“Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23).
“If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37).

I must be careful not make the end of the gospel myself. It is not ULTIMATELY about MY salvation or MY relationship with God. Rather the gospel is a magnificent display of the glory of God and Him magnifying that glory through the redemption of His people by the cross of Christ and the victorious resurrection. So Jesus is our great reward!
I pray I remember this often, for I am far too often guilty of idolatry, in that I make the gospel about me. It is not… yet how gracious is our Father in heaven to allow us to enter into His joy, His delight, His excellencies…FOR ETERNITY!?!

Grace and Peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
To Him be the Glory and Honor and Power FOREVER!