The God of Abraham
Today’s Verse:
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. ~Genesis 15:1
The Bible has many wonderful lessons for us about the faith of Abraham. He was strong in faith, not doubting the promises. The greatness of Abraham’s faith was because it was in the most high God. What made Abraham a great believer, great in faith, great in prayer, and great in his testimony was the simple fact that he knew he believed in a great God Who could not fail. Let us see the God of Abraham.
We see Abraham’s conviction.
“And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth….” Abraham testified to the king of Sodom that his devotion, faith, and worship belonged exclusively to the most high God. Abraham made it clear to this pagan, polytheistic king that there is only one God and He is the most high God. He made it clear that he would not compromise or submit himself to this king for any of his needs. “I will not take from a thread… that is thine.” Abraham had faith in God for his protection, his provision, and his future.
We see Abraham’s covering.
Abraham had just fought a battle, successfully defeated the four kings, and secured the rescue of all the captives and their property. He might have been concerned that the defeated kings would align themselves and attack him. At the most appropriate time, God came to Abraham in a vision to encourage him to not be afraid and to be assured that God was his shield, buckler, and covering. A shield was a powerful way of saying that no one could hurt him with God as his shield. We have a great God Who shields us from the attacks of our spiritual enemy.
We see Abraham’s conversion.
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This is the verse that testifies of Abraham’s faith in the Lord and his conversion. In Romans, it says, “It was imputed unto him for righteousness.” Abraham had faith in God for the saving of his soul, for his future, and for his eternal security. He had faith in God’s Word. He had faith in God’s promises. God established the Abrahamic Covenant with him of a future son, society, and soil.
We see Abraham’s compensation.
“...And thy exceeding great reward.” The word “reward” implies wages and payment. Abraham could trust in the Lord to take care of his needs and that of future generations. He learned that God is a Rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. I believe that he was given assurance of answered prayer. I believe that it was his relationship with the Lord that meant the most. It was not things but the Lord Himself Who pledged to be his exceeding great reward. The greatest blessing each of us have is the Lord Himself. God was personal, powerful, and plentiful to Abraham. Our greatest reward is that we have the Lord! We are accepted in the Beloved. We are adopted sons. He cares for us. Discover the greatness of God today in your life.
Have a courageous God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 12-15