PRAYER + PRAISE
He is our Exceedingly Great Reward
- Adam Cole // April 22, 2010
“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” —Genesis 15:1
Abraham was one of the great Bible heroes, primarily for his faith, because he boldly picked up his entire life and walked as God called him to walk.
But, as the journey progresses (in chapter 15), after moving at the Lord’s beckoning through foreign territory and then seemingly end up nowhere, both literally and figuratively, he seems to look beyond God’s natural provision and essence and instead questions him, in a sort of “What are you going to do for me?” attitude. It appears that Abraham is upset because he has no heir; therefore, he blatantly asks God when he is going to get that particular desire fulfilled.
The sort of ‘I need tangible results’ comment comes after God proclaims to Abraham (then Abram) that he will be his shield and exceedingly great reward, a statement that the great Lord makes to assure Abraham that He with him always, through every sort of trial. And yet, Abraham still had discontent in his heart.
The Lord, in His great mercy, did not scold Abraham for his doubts and qualms, but instead comforted him by showing Abraham that his descendents would be as great as the stars in the sky.
Abraham then quickly corrected his heart, “believing in Him—and it was accounted to Him for righteousness.” The Lord later instructed Abraham to cut up offerings and at night the Lord appeared as a burning torch before Abraham and made a covenant with him.
This is an amazing story…and captures the dialogue we often have with the Lord. Always asking for more…yet not realizing just how much He has already given us and promised us and that no matter what, He is indeed our exceedingly great reward. So, let us harness that, believe in Him, and realize that He will bless us in His perfectly sovereign way. It is up to us to simply have faith and let Him do the rest.
Praise: That He is our exceedingly great reward.
Prayer: That we don’t ask for more, but just trust in Him.
Prayer for Today: Lord, we thank You that You can be our shield and our great reward, that can cover us from the calamities and great trials in this world. We know that we are just mere mortals and need Your strength day in and day out. May we always see that and be touched by it, to transform our hearts and this world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.