- Reward
Psalm 19.11
In keeping of them there is great reward.
This is a classic expression of the conditional promise of blessings and good consequences resulting from keeping the commandments. The reward is bountifully spelled out in several parts of the Torah. Every Jew knew and no Israelite doubted the blessings from obeying and the curses from disobeying. Taken as a whole the blessings come not only from keeping the commandments in the narrow sense, but also the rewards that come from believing the promises of the Lord and receiving with thankfulness all that God gives. Great reward is the consequence of well doing, bringing peace of conscience, elevation of soul, and like-mindedness with God. The Law of Commandments is a part of the wonderful things God gives for which the believer gives thanks. The Torah also grants unconditional promises and blessings of mercy and forgiveness. Believing God and His promises is just as important as doing His commandments.
Internalizing and externalizing the entire Torah embedding it into our faith and life is meant by “keeping of them.” If you keep the Law, then there is great reward. Reward is not related to merit, as in a child getting gold stars for doing the chores and then getting a reward for the number of stars earned. As a reward of merit a “reward” is given for doing something, just for doing it. The reward in this promise is related to grace, not merit. The reward does not come from “doing the chores,” but the reward is the good things that result from the work, like a clean room, washed dishes, dogs fed, etc., in addition to the strength of character that is built into the obedient person. Rewards are intrinsically related to believing and keeping the Torah: just two small examples: a stable and happy family results from honoring parents and not committing adultery; a safe community results from not killing and not stealing and not lying. These kinds of rewards are intrinsically connected to attitude and behavior, even if it is hard to connect the dots. Faith is necessary, for it alone sees. The Faith Chapter of Hebrews 11:6: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
These intrinsic rewards are directly related to conditions, but they are not easily seen; therefore, the connections must be believed. Why do I have to…? Because I said so! Trust me; your great reward will come in time.
Remember: the Ten Commandments themselves were given as a blessing and grace from a loving God for the purpose of giving us a happy and blessed life. The Gospel is given as a blessing to forgive our failure to keep the commandments, and to give the power of the indwelling Spirit to actually keep the commandments better. Repent and believe the Gospel: that’s how we claim the reward.