What does "God is our great reward" mean?

1. Introduction

“God is our great reward” is a phrase echoing a central theme throughout Scripture: the Lord Himself is the highest treasure any person can receive. One of the most direct expressions of this promise appears in Genesis 15:1, where the Lord says to Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” This statement continues to resonate in various passages across the Old and New Testaments, underscoring that a deeper relationship with the Creator surpasses all other blessings.

2. Context in Genesis 15:1

When God spoke to Abram, He had just delivered Abram from a significant conflict (Genesis 14) and had blessed him through the priest-king Melchizedek. In this setting, God revealed that Abram’s security and future blessings would not come from any earthly source, but from the Lord Himself.

Rather than focusing solely on land, possessions, or an heir, God grounded Abram’s hope in a relationship with Him. This was crucial, as it reminded Abram—and reminds readers today—that the most valuable reward is not materially based but is found in the presence and fellowship of the Divine.

3. Theological Foundations

Scripture consistently teaches that God is the ultimate good for His people. Throughout the Psalms, David cries out to God as his portion and inheritance (e.g., Psalm 16:5). In describing “God as our great reward,” there is a profound truth: the Creator is not merely a giver of gifts, but is Himself the chief blessing. The concept appears repeatedly:

• God’s Sufficiency: Psalm 73:25–26 expresses, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” In other words, God is fully sufficient for every need.

• Eternal Perspective: The faithful in Scripture anticipate an eternal communion with God, highlighting the truth that neither earthly wealth nor temporal joys outlast the glory of God’s presence.

4. Spiritual Significance for Believers

Recognizing God as our greatest reward reorients the heart. Rather than striving only for earthly success or the approval of people, believers anchor their lives in the unchanging nature of the Almighty.

• Deep Personal Relationship: This perspective cultivates intimacy with the Lord. Believers engage in prayer, worship, and obedience out of love, knowing that nearness to God is an incomparable blessing.

• Strength in Trials: Throughout Scripture, individuals who understood God as their reward endured suffering by clinging to His promises. Job, for instance, famously declared his hope in God’s ultimate justice and presence (Job 19:25–27).

• Motivation for Holiness: When the greatest prize is God Himself, holiness becomes a joyful pursuit rather than mere duty. Since believers treasure the Lord above all, they seek to live in a way that honors Him.

5. Foreshadowing Fulfillment in Christ

From a New Testament perspective, Jesus is the embodiment of this promise. John 14:6 proclaims Him as “the way and the truth and the life,” indicating that eternal life and fellowship with God are available exclusively through Him. The resurrection of Christ ensures that this “great reward” is grounded in historical reality and offers eternal hope to believers. Through Christ’s sacrificial work, the gift of God’s own presence, both now and in eternity, is graciously opened to all who trust in Him.

• Union with Christ: The New Testament teaches that believers are united with Jesus, allowing them to experience “every spiritual blessing…in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). This union daily affirms that God’s presence is both a present reality and an eternal inheritance.

• The Holy Spirit’s Role: The Spirit dwells in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), granting assurance that the promise of God as our reward is intimately personal and transformative.

6. Scriptural and Historical Reliability

The significance of Genesis 15:1 is preserved in multiple early Hebrew manuscripts, including fragments discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls near Qumran. These ancient documents, consistently supported by the Masoretic Text’s precise transmission, affirm the continuity and accuracy of the original statement made to Abram. Archeological findings repeatedly demonstrate the historical and cultural background in which Abram lived—such as tablets from Mesopotamia that confirm patriarchal naming practices—lending weight to the integrity of the biblical narrative.

Moreover, the theme of God’s direct involvement with His people sets the Hebrew Scriptures apart from many ancient writings. Instead of a distant deity, the God of Scripture reveals Himself in personal covenant relationships, making promises like “I am your shield, your very great reward.”

7. Application for Today

To understand “God is our great reward” is to recognize that no earthly treasure can fully satisfy. Modern life often emphasizes possessions and achievements, but believers find true fulfillment in the One who created them. This living truth impacts:

• Worship and Devotion: Realizing God as the supreme reward deepens worship, drawing hearts toward gratitude and reverence.

• Contentment and Joy: Despite circumstances, knowing God as our portion grounds us in a lasting joy that transcends momentary struggles.

• Purpose and Calling: With God at the center, one’s purpose becomes to honor and glorify Him above all else, reflecting what Scripture defines as true prosperity.

8. Conclusion

“God is our great reward” underscores that the greatest blessing for any person is not found in tangible wealth, power, or comfort, but in an abiding and growing relationship with the Creator. It resonates through Abram’s story and echoes in the message of the prophets, psalmists, apostles, and in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Today, it remains a life-altering and hope-filled truth: the Lord Himself is the supreme treasure who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. By embracing His presence, one discovers the unfathomable riches of an eternal reward that transcends every transient gain.