Our scripture this week is Matthew 10:40-42.
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Jesus speaks of a reward for those who welcome His messengers and His word – “a prophet’s reward…a righteous person’s reward”. It would seem that your reward depends on what message you receive. Are there different levels of being saved and spending eternity with God?
That’s certainly not what Jesus is saying. In other lessons He specifically taught that there is no ranking in God’s kingdom, we are all His beloved children. The parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt.20:1-16) shows that God treats us all equally.
God is more concerned about our love for one another and our obedience to His commandments. When we use the gifts we have been given for the good of others, we are living out our faith. Our reward is our eternal connection to Him, to hear the welcome He has for us “well done, good and faithful servant “.
Heavenly Father, bless us to be humble and useful in Your plan for creation. May our love for You show in everything we do. Amen.