I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Rejoice and be exceedingly; glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12). How does this reward relate to in heaven? The Greek word “en,” translated in, refers to a “fixed state.” The Greek word “ouranos,” translated heaven, is difficult to dogmatically define. Is Jesus referring to the actual place of eternal dwelling? Is He referring to the state of righteousness in which the individual experiences the reward of the Beatitude life? It probably does not matter. In either case, Jesus is the reward. In both situations the experience of persecution only massages the soul to see Jesus clearer and embrace Him tighter. Jesus is our reward; could we ask for anything more?
THE INDIVIDUAL REWARD is also clearly defined in this explanation. In the Greek text Jesus definitely says that this reward is “yours.” It is a translation of the Greek word “humon.” It is the second personal pronoun. It is in the genitive case, which describes relationship between substances. “Of, from, or concerning you, or in regard to you” are all an expression of the word.
This extends beyond simple possession. While this “reward” belongs to you the meaning of this possession is greater than ownership. Since you endured persecution, you along with thousands of others, will receive a reward. But this is not the meaning. Jesus is expressing distinctiveness in His statement. Each individual receiving a reward receives the only reward of its kind; the persecution experienced by each individual is different. Therefore, the reward received is different for each individual. All of the aspects tell us that God designed something unique and special for each one! If He is your reward, does not your unique relationship with Him design the reward? What a Jesus!!! I am a Jesus pusher!!!