Genesis 15:1(NASB) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
Abram just came out of a war. In Genesis 12 the Lord spoke to Abram to leave his country, his people and his father’s household. In Genesis 13 God promised to give him descendants. At this point the promise of God was not yet fulfilled. Abram left everything behind, he had enemies all around him and still no son. He had nothing, only the promise of God. He had not made any progress. Will God’s promise be enough for Abram?
At this time, the word of the Lord came to Abram. The first thing God told Abram was, ‘Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.’ In this single verse, God has given us the secret to the greatest blessing we could ever have.
• Do not fear
True faith is not the absence of all fear it is the conquering of all fear. In this life there will be times when we experience fear. We will come face-to-face with fear. Our fears and reasons to fear are all irrelevant when God is with us.
Exodus 14:13(GNB) Moses answered: “Don’t be afraid! Stand your ground, and you will see what the LORD will do to save you today; you will never see these Egyptians again.
Proverbs 3:25-26(KJV) says: Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
• I am your shield
The meaning of the word shield here in Hebrew is protector, defender. This verse literally says: ‘I will fight for you and I will be your champion.’ The Lord is saying to Abram: ‘Go ahead and look at all those armies surrounding you. Nobody can touch you because I am your protector. Entrust your life and future into My hands.’
What a comfort to realise and know that before the enemy can get to us, he must get by the God who always stands guard over me.
Psalms 3:3(KJV) But You, O LORD , are a Shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalms 119:114(CEV) You are my place of safety and my shield. Your word is my only hope.
• Your reward shall be very great
Our true reward is the fact that God walks with us, talks with us, and comforts us.
Ruth 2:12(GNB) May the LORD reward you for what you have done. May you have a full reward from the LORD God of Israel, to whom you have come for protection!
Psalms 16:5(ERV) LORD, you give me all that I need. You support me. You give me my share.
So, today, I choose not to fear for God Himself is my Shield. And the Lord Himself is my exceeding great reward!