Thy Shield and Exceeding Great Reward
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
Abraham was in deep distress. He had just returned from a very successful conquest of the five kings who had taken his nephew Lot as a captive. He became anxious that those kings might consider taking revenge on him and his household. He thought about his small army in comparison to their much larger military and strength. Fear and anxiety set in. It was at that critical moment that the Lord made Himself real and gave assurance to Abraham. It was at that moment that God revealed Himself as Abraham’s shield and exceeding great reward.
The Lord came to Abraham in comfort.
We are told, “The word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not.” God gave to Abraham His Word when he needed it most. God’s Word is there for us when we are frantic, anxious, and beside ourselves. His Word is dependable. There is no substitute for God’s Word when we are in a crisis. His Word is accurate, His Word is assuring, and His Word is authoritative. God told him, “Fear not.” I can imagine Abraham getting up early one morning and searching God’s Word for an answer, and there it was: “Fear not”! God gave Abraham a word of comfort.
The Lord came to Abraham as a covering.
He said, “I am thy shield.” The Lord uses the metaphor of a shield in battle. A shield protects us from the enemy’s weapons. The Lord has given each of us His shield of faith. This shield withstands the fiery darts of the evil one. This shield can withstand the enemy’s attempts to hit us with his sword or pierce us with his spear. God covers and protects us from the enemy. This shield cannot fail us. We can hide behind it and know that we are safe. God would make sure that Abraham was untouchable by the enemy.
The Lord came to Abraham as his compensation.
The Lord told him that He was his “exceeding great reward.” In essence, God was telling Abraham that he had the blessing of the Lord upon his life. God was assuring Abraham of his future. Abraham would receive further explanation of how the Hebrew nation would develop through him. God was assuring Abraham concerning his family. Abraham thought that he would have no heir. However, God gave him a powerful assurance and a covenant concerning a godly heritage. God was also assuring Abraham concerning his footsteps. The God Who brought him thus far would continue to lead him on his pilgrim journey.
The Lord came to Abraham just when he needed Him most. The Lord comes to you and me just when we need Him most. Whatever you might be facing as a trial, trouble, or problem, wait on the Lord to come to you through His Word just when you need Him most. Don’t try to solve your worries and then engage God on your behalf. Let God have control of your situation and at the right time, He will be there as your shield and exceeding great reward.
Have a comforted God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 4-6