Genesis 14:21-15:6 “Resistance and Reward”

“Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’”
Genesis 15:5 (NLT)

Abram had just defeated the four kings from the east and rescued his nephew Lot. These guys had a reputation for repaying their enemies with a vengeance. But was Abram protected by a walled city? No, he and his household lived in tents in the wilderness of Canaan. In other words, they were sitting ducks in duck season! No doubt Abram was fearful.

But God spoke to him in a vision, saying:

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Genesis 15:1 (NKJV)

Better than a walled city was the impregnable shield of the LORD. And better than anything this world could offer was God’s exceedingly great reward. In other words, Abram had nothing to fear, for God was his complete provision and protection.

Do we have such assurance? Are we able to squelch our fears by trusting in God’s protection and provision? He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). Jesus said that our heavenly Father knows our needs even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).

But Abram was still troubled because the one thing he wanted he did not have–a child. To whom would he pass on his inheritance? So God promised Abram that one from his own body would be his heir. Then He told Abram to look up into the night sky and count the stars. So would his descendants be (as innumerable as the stars).

“And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”
Genesis 15:6 (NKJV)

This verse is the foundation for justification by faith. God justified Abram not because of what he did but because of what he believed. According to the teaching of the New Testament, this places righteousness within the grasp of anyone who will simply believe in Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that you are really justified before God simply because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so, are you trusting in God to be your shield and exceedingly great reward?