by furaha nchimbi | 12 July 2022 08:46 am07
The Swahili word kujazi translates to “to repay,” “to reward,” or “to compensate.” In biblical theology, this concept aligns with the idea that God, who sees the hearts and intentions of His people, rewards them according to their faithfulness, obedience, and sincerity. This reward is not always material it may be spiritual, eternal, or both.
Let’s explore how Scripture supports this principle:
Matthew 6:2–4 (NIV)
“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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Theological Insight:
Jesus taught against ostentatious acts of charity. Giving is an act of worship and compassion, not a means of gaining public recognition. When we give discreetly, God, who sees beyond outward appearances, honors and rewards such integrity. This principle reflects God’s justice and omniscience He sees and evaluates the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Theological Insight:
Prayer is not a performance but an intimate dialogue with God. The emphasis here is not just on secrecy but sincerity. God values genuine relationship over ritualistic repetition. The Greek word for “reward” (misthos) implies recompense from a just employer God repays with perfect fairness.
Matthew 6:17–18 (NIV)
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen;
and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Theological Insight:
Fasting is meant to humble the soul and seek God’s presence not to impress others with your piety. Jesus taught that spiritual disciplines must be God-focused. The reward for such fasting may be deeper spiritual insight, answered prayer, or personal transformation.
Ruth 2:11–12 (NIV)
“Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before.
May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’”
Theological Insight:
Boaz recognized Ruth’s sacrificial love and loyalty. In blessing her, he acknowledges God as the ultimate rewarder of good deeds. The imagery of taking refuge under God’s wings points to God as a protector and provider (cf. Psalm 91:4). Ruth’s story foreshadows the redemptive inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant family.
The consistent message across these passages is clear: God sees everything done in secret, and He is faithful to reward those who seek Him with pure motives. Whether it’s through giving, praying, fasting, or showing kindness no act of obedience or love escapes His notice.
While some rewards may come in this life (such as peace, provision, or favor), others are stored up in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Ultimately, our greatest reward is God Himself knowing Him, being transformed by Him, and spending eternity in His presence (Hebrews 11:6; Revelation 22:12).
All glory, honor, and praise be to the Lord who sees, rewards, and blesses His people. Amen
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/07/12/what-does-kujazi-mean-matthew-64-niv/
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