Our living God Pt 10: Our great reward

Genesis 15:1                           1After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”  2But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me…?

Abram, later renamed Abraham by God himself, has just rescued his nephew Lot from local tribes who were taking Lot into captivity.  Abram’s forces were vastly inferior to the tribes’ and in the course of victory Abram declares his faith and trust of the Lord God Most High

Your shield

In Genesis 15:1, God speaks to Abram (later known as Abraham) with words of profound reassurance: "Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward."  These words hold immense meaning, both for Abram and for anyone seeking comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty.

When God says, "I am your shield," He uses imagery that resonates deeply with the concept of protection.  A shield is not just a defensive tool; it is a symbol of security, safeguarding the bearer from harm.  In ancient times, warriors relied on shields in battle, trusting that these objects would protect them from enemy attacks. For Abram, this promise came during a period of potential fear and vulnerability.  Having recently returned from battle to rescue his nephew Lot, Abram might have been anxious about retaliation from his enemies.

However, God’s promise transcends physical protection.  He is not just offering to shield Abram from human enemies but also from fear, doubt, and the unseen dangers that can trouble the heart.  This divine assurance emphasizes that God Himself is the ultimate protector, capable of guarding both the body and the soul.  For us today, "I am your shield" serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face—whether they are external conflicts, internal struggles, or life’s uncertainties—God offers us His protection.  This does not mean we will never face hardships, but it reassures us that we are never alone in our battles.

Your very great reward

But God is not done with his conversation with Abram, nor is he done with his blessings.  The phrase "your very great reward" adds another layer of depth to God's message.  After affirming His role as Abram's protector, God assures him that He is also his reward.  This is significant because Abram had just turned down material wealth from the King of Sodom, choosing instead to maintain his integrity and dependence on God.  In this context, God’s words highlight that Abram’s true reward is not found in earthly possessions or human accolades but in God Himself.

This part of the verse shifts the focus from external blessings to the relationship between God and Abram.  It suggests that the greatest reward one can receive is not material prosperity but the presence and favor of God.  This challenges common perceptions that often equate success with wealth, status, or tangible achievements.  Especially in America, people define themselves based on their accomplishments and acquisitions.  Having an intimate relationship with God, talking to him and listening for his answer is a better road to well-being than accomplishment and acquisition.  Instead, it invites us to find our ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in our relationship with God.  For believers today, this message is both comforting and transformative.  It encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and to recognize that while earthly rewards are temporary and fleeting, the joy and peace that come from knowing God are eternal.  When we embrace God as our "very great reward," we discover a source of contentment that transcends circumstances, anchoring us in His unchanging love and faithfulness.

What can you give me?

Despite the profound promises God makes, Abram responds with a candid question: "Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless...?" This question reveals Abram's deep longing and the tension between his faith in God’s promises and the reality of his circumstances.  Abram had been promised descendants as numerous as the stars, yet he and his wife Sarai remained childless, and time was passing.

Abram's question is not an expression of doubt in God's power but an honest reflection of his struggle to understand how God's promises would unfold in his life.  This moment of vulnerability is significant because it shows that faith does not mean the absence of questions or struggles.  Instead, true faith involves bringing our fears, doubts, and desires to God, trusting that He is big enough to handle them.

God's response to Abram's question is filled with grace and reassurance.  He takes Abram outside and tells him to look at the stars, reaffirming His promise that Abram's descendants will be countless.  This powerful imagery not only reignites Abram's hope but also serves as a visual reminder of God's infinite power and faithfulness.

For us, Abram's question encourages a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.  It teaches us that we can approach God with our deepest concerns and that doing so is an integral part of our faith journey.  God invites us to engage with Him honestly, and in those vulnerable moments, He meets us with His promises and presence.

What about me?

Genesis 15:1 encapsulates profound truths about God's nature and our relationship with Him.  Through the promises "I am your shield" and "your very great reward," God reveals Himself as both our protector and our ultimate source of fulfillment.  Abram's honest question, "What can you give me?" reminds us that faith includes moments of doubt and longing, and that God welcomes our questions with patience and grace.

It is not unusual to encounter worries and anxieties as we meet the challenges which come our way.  But often believers think that having these anxieties somehow diminishes their faith; that they are not true followers of Yeshua because having anxiety must mean they don’t truly trust Jesus.  But we can reflect on our own lives.  Are we seeking security in things or in God as our shield?  Do we view success as material wealth, or do we find our greatest reward in our relationship with God?  Are we honest with God about our struggles, trusting Him to meet us with His promises?

It is OK to worry because, after all….

23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)

So, if we worry about things, we have the wonderful grace and mercy of the Captain of the Host to depend on because God loves us so much that…

8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

As we ponder these questions, may we find comfort in God's protection, fulfillment in His presence, and courage to bring our deepest desires before Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.