Content Without Reward

When I work hard to obtain something, I’m pretty disappointed when I don’t get what I worked for. Think about the disappointment of athletes who train for years with their hearts set on a gold medal, the Stanley or Grey Cup. Or think of the student who studies for a long time in order to obtain a diploma or degree. When their goal is not achieved, they are very disappointed; some are devastated beyond imagination.

Moses has endured many struggles in his relationship with God and with the Israelite people. But God always persuaded Moses to continue on. And there was a goal in mind. God had promised the Israelites that they would have a place to call home, a land that would be rich with resources. Moses must have dreamed about the day when he would finally lead the people into their promised land. But God did not allow Moses to reap the reward for his work. It was as though God said, “Moses, you have been a faithful servant, and that is sufficient for me.”

When we struggle with the tasks that God calls us to do, may we be satisfied with simply doing the work and being faithful to our calling. Reaping the reward may not be in God’s intentions for us.

Assure us, O God, that serving you is sufficient. Amen. — DB