Currency of the Kingdom

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

Amidst cries of, “The law is a burden,” and, “The law is a slavemaster and is only useful for pointing out how much we are, or were, sinners,” David’s voice rises above: “The law revives my soul! It rejoices my heart! I desire it more than the finest gold, for it is sweeter than pure honey!”

The words and teachings—and even the actions—of Jesus cry out, “Follow the law with all your heart! Love God! Love your neighbor! Don’t just say it: do it, by faith through the love God has granted you by the Holy Spirit!”

David truly loved God, and he followed the law with his heart; this is clear throughout the account of his life as well as the psalms he wrote. Although the mention of reward is almost an afterthought in this passage, it is clear that David regarded the true rewards to be the immediate benefits of upholding the law: delight, enlightenment, joy, wisdom. The future rewards—the eternal ones—are real also.

Jesus taught about both immediate and future rewards also. In the parable of the treasure in the field, Jesus likens the Kingdom of Heaven to be like a hidden treasure, its discovery making its finder rich in joy. The Kingdom of Heaven is right here and now, and is defined as being the “place” where God’s will—his law—is being fulfilled. Therefore, when we seek the Kingdom and find it, and embrace it with our hearts, we have a treasure “more to be desired than even much fine gold.” David had found the treasure.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells us that he will be leaving us for a time, and the resources he has blessed us with are to be invested in the Kingdom. In other words, used to practice God’s law in order to increase the Kingdom’s “assets,” or bring more souls into the Kingdom. He tells us that the rewards for being faithful in this will make a lack of reward seem like severe punishment. The rewards for this faithfulness are eternal rewards not being realized until his return.

David tells us, “Live in the moment; embrace God’s law now and reap the immediate rewards. Don’t worry about eternity: for every reward you receive now, a reward will be stored up for you in heaven.”

But remember: the rewards are not the motivation. Love God and love your neighbor—these are the motivations.

Blessings, Robert