³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

The concept of eternal reward (which we saw in the previous verse 35) was somewhat foreign to the Greek philosophers. Plato, for example, believed that righteousness was its own reward, placing morality completely in the present with no thought given to reward in an “after-life.” In one sense, the Christian resting in the once-for-all-time sacrifice of Christ might share similar thoughts, in that there is no longer a motive for living righteously since we have already attained what it is that we desired. Critics put it this way, “If one’s salvation is secured not on the basis of how one lives his life, then what is the incentive for living a morally righteous life?” To say righteousness is its own reward sounds like a concept easily manipulated to allow for licentious living.

We have already seen that the believer has been changed inwardly because God has now written His law on the heart and mind (see Heb 10:16). It is intrinsically stamped on our spiritual DNA. So the motive for living faithfully and righteously is fundamentally woven into our lives.

Yet, we still find terms like “reward” (vs. 35) and “receiving what was promised.” This seems like adding an “extrinsic” incentive back into the mix, a motivation of rewards. Some might say Christians live a life following a carrot on the end of a stick, moving forward for the sole purpose of being rewarded.

I believe the answer lies in a closer look at the reward. The reward is relationship, not a “thing” for oneself. The compensation for faithfully following Christ is Christ Himself. There is joy in following Christ, because of who He is. But it is not a joy that one can take away selfishly to enjoy by oneself. The joy is being in fellowship with Him. This is the promised “rest” that was the focus of Hebrews chapters 3 and 4; to be at ease in the presence of God, behind the “veil,” so to speak. To know my sins are finally forgiven, and I no longer need to bring any kind of sacrifice, no repetition of good works, nothing to give God in exchange for His blessing. It is already mine, this relationship with God and with Jesus who is not ashamed to call me a brother (Heb 2:11).

This relationship, this joy, motivates the believer and produces endurance to continue walking in the will of God, as this verse speaks of. The relationship has already been established. I simply need to continue walking in it and to continue enjoying the benefits of that promise of “rest” and blessing.

Lord, I enjoy Your presence and desire to keep remembering the gift of Your Son’s sacrifice, so that I am motivated to continue walking by faith.