His reward is with him, and his recompense before him. Isaiah 40:10
Christ comes to do a work and to earn a wage. His wage is with him, and his work is before him.
Why did Jesus come into the world? “To give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When Christ was born on that first Christmas, the cross was before him. Becoming the sacrifice and substitute for sinners was before him. Paying the price, the ransom, was before him.
What does Christ want so much that he would leave heaven’s glory and take on human flesh? What is the reward he desires so much that he earns it through unspeakable agony on a cross?
The answer is: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd” (Isa. 40:11), a flock of dirty, smelly sheep! A flock that needs tending, gathering, carrying, and leading.
Since this flock was bought at such a price, you can have confidence that “He will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isa. 40:11). Jesus says it so clearly: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The flock are his wages. Redeeming you is his reward.
Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). When you grasp what Christ did to make you his own, you will not doubt his love.
Behold your God! Look at him. Worship him with all that you are and with all that you have. O, come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Do you have doubts about Jesus’ love for you?
