Walking with the Wise #98: Remembering the Reward

“Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,

but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.”

—Proverbs 11:21

We operate between two worlds—the world of experience vs. the world of truth. There are times when these two worlds intersect, but not always. If one operates in the world of truth, there must be patience, because truth is a slow-moving dynamic that takes time to be seen and experienced. The world of experience teaches immediately, but not always truthfully. Truth must always trump experience, but it is best when the two operate together.

One of those truths that experience is slow to support, but sure to prove, is that of God’s coming judgment. The proverb promises that an evil person will be punished, but it also states that the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. In Scripture, we read that generations can be affected by our sin, either positively or negatively. As the LORD says,

“…You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments”—Deuteronomy 5:9-10.

God not only honors those who honor Him, but He honors their children as well. The principle is not the same for those who do evil, however. As Moses wrote,

“Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin”—Deuteronomy 24:16.

God will punish those who sin against Him, and He will reward those who live for Him; He has promised to do so. As Paul wrote,

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”—Galatians 6:7-9.

Look at your life. Are you living for self, sin and Satan? Then know that you will be judged. Are you living for God? Then know that reward awaits! Don’t give in and don’t give up! Follow God and be ready to reap the harvest of all that you have sown for Him! Amen.