OUR GREAT REWARD – by Raphael ben Levi
Many a believer in Yeshua is standing on tip-toe awaiting the return of our Messiah as endgame events move relentlessly forward with speed. We are indeed living in perilous times yet accompanied with it is a tangible excitement which Scripture describes as our “blessed hope” defined as “…”… the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:13-14) Our vision is clear amid the world’s blurred and fearful expectations. The Bible informs us that in the very end times, conditions will not improve but rapidly deteriorate and this is exactly what is happening. Many believers throughout the world are hurting badly through all manner of dark things the enemy is hurling in our direction and yet we remain the most optimistic of people on this planet. Those who place their trust in this life should be reminded that all the material possessions and accomplishments acquired during the course of a life-time pale into total insignificance compared to the future reward awaiting those who love Him. A beautiful chassidic story explains it perfectly.
A visitor happened to stop by the home of the great 18th century chassidic rabbi, the Dov Ber of Mezheritch. He was deeply distressed when he saw the abject poverty of the rabbi. His home was bereft of all but the very sparsest of necessities characteristic of a person in dire trouble. He indignantly questioned the rabbi about his living circumstances finding it hard to believe that a man of such deep spirituality could have sunk to such levels of poverty.
“How could you live like this?” demanded the visitor.
The rabbi looked compassionately at the visitor whilst pondering upon his question, and then responded:
“Indeed, I don’t see any of your furnishings. How do you manage without them?”
“What do you mean” responded the visitor hastily, “you do not really think that I would take all my possessions along with me wherever I go. When I travel, I make do with whatever is available. When I am home, it is another matter altogether!”
“Ah, yes” replied the rabbi, “at home, it is a different matter altogether . . .”
Let’s remember that the building blocks we use for investing in this life will determine the type of mansion we receive in the next, and be spurred on undeterred until that glorious day finally arrives!
