Your Father Knows

Matthew 6:2-4 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
 
THERE is a “secret friend” helping ministry some Christians do to quietly care for another without that person knowing who is blessing them. Several people will gather to each draw a name of someone else in the group. The name each person chooses is the one to receive “secret” care through prayer, encouraging notes, gifts or other appropriate means. The secret friend ministers God’s grace. 
   Do you think this “secret ministry” a bit odd? Would you want a note or gift from an unidentified source? Would it be better if the one offering the blessings received a “thank you” from the recipient? Anonymous ministry doesn’t seem to fit into our framework of loving relationships, does it?
   But here again, Jesus abruptly adjusts our view of Christian living. Keeping our deeds a secret will more easily turn the mind of the blessed one toward God. How freeing it is, also, to know that what you do is not about you. Focused on God’s commands, one can more easily respond as needs arise and God directs. Your only focus is to obey God. Unexpected blessings are also good ways to know God’s personal touch on their lives.
   Jesus teaches God rewards our quiet ministries: “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The New King James Version says that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. The great 19th century English preacher Charles Spurgeon anticipated, “Any praise from his lips, any reward from his hands, will be of priceless value. Oh, to live with an eye to that alone!” (from Spurgeon's Expository Notes) Does God reward you immediately? Yes, he does in a way you may not know. The Father sees you, and he is pleased. Imagine, the Father will bestow on you the reward of himself! You will be clothed more richly with his love, kindness and mercy. Also, you can trust the Bible’s teachings of heavenly reward for your righteous obedience to God’s commands. Living for God rewards you with God’s essence now and forever.
   The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ teachings of the way to know God and enjoy his blessings forever. There is no greater reward, is there?