⁶ … for he who comes to God must believe that … He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

A reward carries within itself that which is good. If it were not good, then it could hardly be called a reward. Certainly that would be no motivation for achievement of any kind. So a belief in God that pleases Him necessarily entails the idea that God is good, and His goodness is related to our efforts here and now.

The concept of rewards is found frequently in the New Testament. Coming to God requires a certain effort on our part that is motivated by the belief that there is value in doing so. Beginning early in Jesus’ ministry, for example in the Sermon on the Mount, He puts that before people as a motivation to withstand persecution, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt 5:12). Not infrequently, He reminds His followers, “… your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:4). Paul adds, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” (Col 3:23–24a).

Even in Hebrews, which speaks of the once-for-all-time sacrifice of Christ being sufficient for our salvation, we are told, “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Heb 10:35). And it is the final promise given to us at the end of Scripture, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. (Re 22:12).

Yes, coming to God with a faith pleasing to Him involves believing that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him, as our verse for today states. In reality, He rewards us with far more than we deserve and not all will be rewarded in the same way (see Matt 20:1-16). But He will reward us with good things.

How much do we need to seek Him? Some people are given to more self-denial and more religious discipline than others. Will they be rewarded more? Some do more “good deeds” than others or give more money to the Lord’s work than others—do they receive greater reward? Actually, such questions reflect a superficial view of God’s goodness and His rewards. All will be compensated so far in excess of any efforts we make in seeking God, that we will be like the twenty four elders who cast their crowns at His feet saying …

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (Rev 4:11).