Hebrews 10:34-35 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Mercenaries risk their lives for gold. Missionaries risk their lives for souls.

What recompense of reward do you expect? How substantial will it be? What will it consist of in heaven? All we know is of this world. Our desires center upon those things we can see, touch, and use.

Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Three times in Matthew 6 Jesus uses the term “They have their reward.” Each one dealt with being seen of men, to be honored, respected, and looked upon as noble, charitable, and compassionate. A reputation is their reward of men.

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

There is no substitute for God’s gracious gifts, earned or otherwise. If God Himself is our exceedingly great reward, why should we look forward to a “thing”?

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

How about a name? Would you accept a name as your substantial reward? Perhaps it is secret sacred name, your true identity, to finally discover who you were created to be.