MANY years ago my wife’s grandmother received the OBE and, after she died, it was passed down in the family and kept in the display cabinet. We viewed it from time to time, resplendent with its red ribbon in its presentation box and it was only recently that I asked my wife what had happened to the OBE medal when we sorted out the house after her mother’s death. After a little searching it came to light and we realised we had no idea what the medal had been awarded for and now there was no-one to ask. Consequently I wrote to the appropriate department and, very soon after, I received a letter from Buckingham Palace. The letter informed us that the OBE had been awarded in the King’s New Year honours of 1949, in recognition of this lady’s services in her capacity as honorary secretary of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association for the north eastern area. I have no doubt this honour was well-deserved, as are those awarded today for sterling voluntary service, amongst other things, but it is interesting that Jesus has a somewhat different take on honours and rewards. Matthew’s gospel records Jesus as telling people that hardships and hard work for his sake will only be rewarded in heaven and, later on in the gospel, he suggests some of the most important things that ensure God’s favour are very simple, like giving someone a cup of cold water in their need. So let us gather our gifts and abilities together and offer them to God, leaving the business of rewards and honours to Him! | 
