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Gen. 30:18 Issachar, “God has given me my reward.”

The rewards stage of any product is something we all look forward to achieving.  If we make enough purchases, deposits, investments, or acts of loyalty; we expect to have a reward.

Jesus was not afraid of promising people rewards.  He often emphasized that those who followed His Father’s teachings would be generously rewarded both here and now on earth and certainly in heaven.  “Verily, verily, I say unto you. There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time…and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30) This promise from Jesus highlights His desire to reward His children for a life well-lived.

Studies confirm it.  Living healthy, practicing religion, seeking to give rather than take all contribute to a happier and longer life. I have a bumper sticker that refutes the idea that the one who accumulates the most wins.  Instead, the truth says, “He who gives the most, wins.”

Our giving is the front loading of the windows of heaven to be poured out over our lives later.  Malachi promises this formula and dares the people, Put me to the test. “’Try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of Hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” (Mal. 3:10)

We must believe, according to the Scriptures, that God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  This reward consists of both material blessings on earth and spiritual blessings in heaven.  He is the Reward, but on the quest towards Him strings a path of goodness, mercy, and favor that make the journey towards home sweeter and sweeter.

For every young ministry and minister in the throes of a struggle, sweeter days are coming.  For every believer actively giving and laying down our lives in accordance with the Gospel, we can be assured these sacrifices are calculated and rewarded by heaven itself.  Towards the end of your journey meditate and set your sights on the rewards accumulating to your account and use these rewards to spur you to faithful living.

Says Jesus to everyone who ministers to the least of these on earth, “Your reward shall be great in heaven.” God is willing to be put to the test and proven in His faithfulness to reward His people.  The Gospel is not an assignment of suffering our entire life, but rather an eternal rewards program purchased by Jesus and lavishly credited to His children as they faithfully follow Him.

Gen. 29: 35 Judah, “Now I will praise the Lord.”

At this point, Leah realizes she will not win the favor of her husband by bearing more children.  Instead, she simply resolves, “I will praise the Lord.”

Beyond the seasons of romantic love and steadfast commitment, a period of praise and sheer delight in the presence of God will fuel our prayer life.  This process moves from decision to discipline to delight.  God’s ultimate desire is to fill us with joy in His presence and pleasures forevermore at His right hand.

Though you may begin your ministry and prayer with a commitment to God, eventually the power of praising Him alone for Who He is, regardless of what happens or what He does replaces all other priorities.

Praise is the calling of this Jacob Generation.  Judah was the son from whom the Tribe of Jesus emerges.  Praise is the gate that ushers the presence of God on the earth, and what God is doing with praise in our generation is unlike anything we have seen throughout all of history.

Where churches used to sing one or two static hymns, we are now embracing a culture of worship and praise to usher in the power and presence of God.  One song is no longer enough, and the cry of this generation is to see Him face to face, to experience Jesus, and to feel the love of the Father is emotional, supernatural ways.  They sing,

I don’t want to talk about You like You’re not in the room.

I want to look right at You, I want to talk right to You.

Allowing God to bring us into extended periods of praise and worship is perhaps the most invigorating energy to fuel our ministry.  This hunger is now being expressed through 24-hour “Burns” which take place in over 100 cities throughout the United States and nations.  The “harp and bowl” movement of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City is now the longest consecutive prayer movement in history, going around the clock with live music streaming and intercession for the nations for over 20 years.

These prayers and praises are the Judah anointing meant to lead the church into worship and pave the way for Jesus’ Kingdom to come on the earth.  As leaders, we must make time for both prayer and extended praise to build the momentum and strength of our ministry.  These times of worship are the music and ministry of heaven on earth, and our most sacred seasons of fruitfulness will naturally emerge from times of praise.  This fuel for the ministry will determine our longevity to serve.

Gen. 29:34 Levi, “This time my husband will become attached to me.”

The name Levi means attached.  This third son of Jacob represents a period of increased devotion and commitment that must come to every believer’s life is they are to become fruitful for the Lord.  We are drawn to God by His lovingkindness and the Gospel of love, but along with this love relationship there must come a foundation of commitment.

Feelings of love do not always last.  The Lord knows we will need to make a quality decision to serve Him regardless of our feelings, so He brings His disciples to a point of decision whereby we are attached to the cause.   For the multitudes that followed Him, He says, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life within you.” (John 6:53) This was a hard saying, the disciples remarked, and it tested their resolve.  Will you follow the Son of Man even when the stakes are high, and it goes against what you think is convenient and easy?  Are you with Him only for the food and fish, or are you willing to commit for better or worse?  Are you attached?

Every ministry leader will come to a point whereby God tests your resolve.  I remember our young convert in Belarus, Vitaly.  He was only 16 when he first heard about God’s love for him, and he began following Christ at that age.  There came a point, however, when God called Vitaly into full-time ministry with Youth With A Mission, Belarus.  This call was not a feel-good tender wooing, but an invitation to commit.

Vitaly remembers saying very clearly to the Lord, “I will commit to serve you with YWAM for 10 years.”  He attached himself to the Lord and was willing to stay the course no matter the consequences.  18 years later, Vitaly is still serving full-time with YWAM and seeing fruit all over Eastern Europe because of his decision to commit.

Times will come in ministry where we are tempted to quit.  The romantic feeling of love for the Lord will sometimes be quiet and cold.  Difficulties in finances, relationships, ministry partners, and familiar foes will all come and ask us the same questions Jesus asked His disciples in John 6:67, “Do you also want to go away?”  Do you?

Peter’s only response was “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You alone have the words of eternal life.”  (John 6:68) These two truths cement our attachment.  First, that you are Lord and I am obliged to obey whatever you say.  One cannot say “No, Lord.”  Secondly, you have the words of life, eternal life.  For me to turn away from the would be forsaking the very source of my joy, sustenance, eternal destiny, and life.  We cannot flee from Thee, but rather we are forever attached.  Settle this.