Reward of the Faithful: God's Promises Fulfilled – Looking forward to the fruit of faithful living.

For those of you who are always on social media scrolling looking for Lord knows what…what’s trending today? What did you see yesterday that stuck out? Was there anything that made you think about Jesus and how you can be drawn closer to Him?

In a world chasing likes and quick wins, faithfulness rarely trends. But while no one else may be watching, God is. And His rewards? They're worth more than anything instant gratification could ever offer.

Today, we look at the reward of the faithful, not just through the lives of well-known figures like Abraham or David, but through lesser-known men and women whose steadfastness bore lasting fruit.

This one, I must admit, I never heard of. Anybody know Barzillai the Gileadite? 

Not often mentioned in sermons, Barzillai supported King David during his darkest hours of exile (2 Samuel 17:27–29). 

When David returned to power, he wanted to reward Barzillai by bringing him to the palace, but Barzillai humbly declined and asked that the blessing be passed on to his son instead (2 Samuel 19:31–39). Such humility. No spotlight for me, I imagine him saying.

This modesty and loyalty was rewarded with generational favour.

This is like an elderly teacher who spends decades mentoring students behind the scenes, never seeking awards or recognition. When one of her students becomes successful and returns to honour her legacy with scholarships or tributes, it’s a reward not earned by self-promotion but by steady, quiet service. 

That’s what faithfulness does. It plants seeds that bloom even when we are no longer in the spotlight.

In the New Testament, we learn of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36–38). She remained in the temple for decades, praying and fasting. 

Prophetess Anna wasn’t in the inner circle of religious leaders, but she saw Jesus, the Messiah, with her own eyes and became one of the first to proclaim Him. Her reward was not wealth or fame—it was spiritual insight and purpose fulfilled. Nothing better than that. 

Similarly, a single mother who prays for her children, works multiple jobs, and remains committed to integrity may not make headlines. But her children rise up, strong in values and purpose, because she sowed in faith. The fruit of her faithfulness is seen in the next generation—just as Anna’s years of devotion allowed her to witness God’s promise.

Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) says, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” 

But let’s also consider when rewards are not deserved. In the natural, an employee who shows up late, cuts corners, and only performs well when the boss is watching often expects the same rewards as those who labour consistently. Yet, when promotion time comes, their disappointment reveals a heart focused on appearances rather than character.

This reminds us of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 right?

The servant who buried his talent received no reward—only rebuke. Why? Because he didn’t act in faithfulness or initiative. He did the bare minimum and expected a maximum return.

Then there's Onesiphorus. Ever heard of this guy? His story is found in 2 Timothy 1:16–18. He was a quiet figure who sought out Paul during imprisonment. Paul says he "refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains." 

That’s like a friend who sticks by you during public failure or illness when others distance themselves.  These ones are rare. If you have any of these good ones around you, keep them close.

Onesiphorus showed up when it counted, and Paul’s prayer for mercy upon his household reminds us: God sees those moments.

James 1:12 (NIV) declares, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” 

Sometimes, people manipulate, flatter, or perform for attention, expecting to be rewarded. But God isn’t impressed by surface-level devotion. He rewards what is done in secret. 

Luke 6:35 (NIV) says, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great.” 

Even the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:10) received no correction—only encouragement to remain faithful even unto death. They were not rich or powerful, but they were spiritually steadfast.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

Family, what we’re seeing here is that faithfulness is not always rewarded instantly, and not all who appear faithful truly are. 

But we all must remember that God sees the heart. He sees the caregiver taking care of a parent daily, the pastor preaching in a small room to five people, and the man choosing integrity when cheating would be easier. 

These are the ones who, like Anna, Barzillai, and Onesiphorus, will receive the reward of the faithful.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) assures us: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” 

So today, we are encouraged to keep seeking. Keep serving. Our reward is certain—even if the world doesn’t notice, Heaven surely does.

aub - 9May25

www.zjoyvi.com

https://www.youtube.com/live/6PZytkTVh0U?si=0KsaKSQ9jUPruT7H