The Greatest Reward for Following Jesus Christ
Following Christ has great reward.
As Christians, we know there are costs for following Christ. Such as the call to deny our desires, plans and life to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. Still further, family and friends may disown us. Or, we suffer persecution and ridicule.
But let’s not forget the powerful rewards for followers of Jesus. And one greatest reward of all. I list ten rewards and save the best for last.
(1.) Reward of Eternal and Abundant Life
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
(2.) Reward of Righteousness
“If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (1 John 2:29)
We follow Jesus in a foreign culture of unrighteousness. And those who refuse to follow Him have destruction as their end.
Because “enemies of the cross” make their belly a god and glory in shame. Since their minds are set on earthly things. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (See Philippians 3:18-20)
Do we desire to follow Christ and His righteousness, Sunday through Saturday, 24/7?
True disciples not only want to follow Jesus, but also follow through by seeking to stay on the path of righteousness.
(3.) Reward of a Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus tenderly cares for His sheep with provision, protection and power over the enemy who seeks to devour us. And He gladly leaves the ninety-nine to search for us when we are lost.
(4.) Reward of Jesus Never Forsaking Us
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
Jesus at the great commission, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
(5.) Reward of Completeness and Wholeness
No other thing or person on this earth completes us. Jesus alone completes us and makes us whole.
“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” (Colossians 2:9-10 NASB)
No other thing or person on this earth completes us. Jesus alone completes us and makes us whole. #Rewards #JesusChrist Click To Tweet(6.) Reward of Peace in Troubled Times
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
(7.) Reward of a Spiritual Inheritance
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
(8.) Reward of Jesus Coming Back for Us
When Jesus left this earth after His resurrection, during His ascension, He made a promise to His closest followers that He will return one day for all who call Him Lord and Savior.
“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12)
I’m ready and waiting in anticipation for Jesus to return. Are you?
I’m ready and waiting in anticipation for Jesus to return. Are you? #Rewards #JesusChrist Click To Tweet(9.) Reward of Christ “in” Us
“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8:10)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27b)
Drumroll, please . . . .
(10.) The Greatest Reward is Jesus! We Get Him!
Many believers lose their way in life chasing their dreams, while not fully following Christ.
Yet, Jesus is the best reward of all!
No other person or desire or passion we follow brings the same level of reward. Nothing equals Christ. He has no competition.
Jesus is our all in all.
Sadly, following Jesus can become more about a posture instead of a person. Then, we focus on the “how” and “what” instead of the “who.”
But the who is the best part of all! Jesus!
Sadly, following Jesus can become more about a posture instead of a person. Then, we focus on the “how” and “what” instead of the “who.” But the who is the best part of all! Jesus! #Rewards #JesusChrist Click To Tweet
My list of rewards isn’t exhaustive, but Jesus is!
What reward would you add?
Scripture ESV unless noted.
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Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Recharge Wednesday/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected and Faith On Fire.
© 2020 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
What a great list of rewards Karen. Well done. When I read through this list of rewards, one thing jumps out to me. I don’t know if this is a reward or not, but I have hope. It’s my hope in Christ that allows me to overcome most anything. I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on Him and draw near to Him as well. Have an excellent weekend, sister and God bless
Horace, I so agree as another commentor mentioned hope too. Which is the theme of this blog, Hope is Among Us. Hope is defintely a reward for following Jesus. Hope, also known as, Jesus! Great weekend and blessings to you!
To me, Number 10 is the best reward. Jesus Himself is our prize for a life lived for Him. I love what you said about needing to focus on the “who” rather than the “how.” In this divisive age, I think Christians have locked themselves into camps that have nothing to do with following Jesus.
Candice, I love how you said, “Christians have locked themselves into camps that have nothing to do with following Jesus.” Yes! So well put!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Our reward is in Him. What a beautiful message Karen.
Thanks, Melissa. “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27b, ESV)
Our ultimate reward is Jesus Himself, Karen, just as you have declared here. May we follow Him 24/7!
Blessings!
It’s so simple, yet powerful, Martha. Jesus. Is. The. Reward. God bless!
Wow Ms. Karen! A great list ma’am; and the rewards certainly far outweigh the costs of following Christ. It’s hard to add anything to the list as Eternal Life in Him and the Peace that comes from being His child are my top two. I think I would add the Hope in Christ that my faith in Him brings. Knowing that God never changes and that He always fulfills His promises give me the hope I need to endure with perseverance whatever trials come in this vaporous life. God’s blessings ma’am for this encouraging post!
I agree, J.D. I’m all about hope (the theme of my blog) and Jesus is the only real hope we cling to. Because Hope has a name. It’s Jesus.
What an absolutely marvelous list, Karen. We have much to look forward to, don’t we? Thank you for reminding us of what we can experience here and in the world to come.
Glad this encouraged you, Lori. How amazing the Lord gives us heavenly blessings now so we look forward to the others to come!
Thorough list . . . and I agree with you – you saved the best for last!
Ava, no other person or desire or passion we follow brings the same level of reward. Nothing equals Christ. He has no competition.
Amen! The WHO (Jesus) is the absolute point of being a Christian. I follow Jesus. I strive to be about Jesus, about pointing to the Father, about spreading the Gospel, not simply religion.
Truth, Jessica! You’ve have the right perspective my fellow Jesus-girl!
Such a message of hope and encouragement, Karen! I love this list! May we keep our eyes on the prize, which is Jesus Christ Himself. However, Jesus pours out other blessings as we put our hope and trust in Him. He is truly a never-ending fountain of Living Water. May we drink deeply of the refreshment only Jesus can give.
Yes, Melissa, Christ is the goal…the prize…the ultimate gift from our heavenly Father. So thankful He’s a fountain that never runs dry!
What a powerful list, Karen. I agree — Jesus is the best reward of all! The fact that we even have access to heavenly rewards leaves me awestruck. Oh, to bow the knee to His wondrous glory!
Awestruck is a great way to describe it, Cathy. Jesus is our all in all!
Loved this reminder, yes 24/7 an ever-present friend and guide.
Oh, yes, Sharon. Amen!
Jesus is truly our greatest reward. Everything else is just icing on the cake of our faith. Love it and thanks for sharing
Amen, Yvonne. Christ is our reward. Because of Him, our cup overflows.
Wow! Thank you for compiling this, Karen! It is such an encouragement to have the WHO of Jesus, which is most important, right in front of us to ponder as well as the WHAT of Jesus, which is an incredible blessing as we every single day as we walk through life. These treasures get us through life. I don’t have a clue what I would do without Jesus. He has been my dearest friend since I was a child, through hard times and through difficulties, as well as in blessings and in times of joy.
Beautifully said, Melinda. Christ is my dearest friend, the One who completes me and makes me whole. Lord, remind us YOU are our greatest reward!
It’s so good to stop and think about these things and remind ourselves of all we have in Him–Himself being the best!
Christ. Is. The. Prize. Thanks, Barbara!
Karen,
Like you, I’m ready and waiting expectantly for Jesus’ return. Yes, He calls us to be obedient, but what a wonderful list of promises/rewards you’ve recorded. So many think we need to obey for God’s sake. They fail to see that God is much more gracious than that. He commands our obedience for OUR good and when we are, He lays blessing on top of blessing. Oh what a good, good Father. May we all keep our eyes upon Jesus! Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Agree, Bev. Obedience to God’s laws are for our good and His glory. I want to carry my cross well while knowing Jesus is the greatest benefit to the journey.
Karen, Thank you for this list.
Amen! Jesus is our all in all.
Beckie, So thankful Jesus is the goal, the prize and the greatest reward of all!
I saw your link at the Recharge Wednesday Link up. Sometimes the path of discipleship is hard, but these rewards (and more) are always worth it. Thanks for sharing!
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