10- 22- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Genesis 15:1)
THE FATHER OF FAITH WAS SO FEARFUL TOO!!!
15: 1- “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.”
In (Genesis chapter 14) we can read here that Abraham faced a lot of conflicts when he dealt with the enemies including his brother’s son Lot, when he was captured by his enemies. Abram came home with all the blessings, confrontations with different people, but in spite of all that, he showed kindness and generosity to the king of Salem. Then notice what the Bible said in chapter 15: 1- “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.” Notice the phrase “After these things…” In this verse, it also says that “the Lord appeared to Abraham in a vision…” only to tell him not to be afraid. And the Lord went on to say, in which God promised Abram 2 things, that He is his (Abram) shield and great reward. Abram asked God a question which I believe leads to this great conversation and promised of God to Abram and to his seed. Of course, we know that it was already God’s plan, but here in verses 1 to 11 of Genesis chapter 15 is really clear that God has a promised. Because of fear of famine, Abraham doubted God who promised him of shield and reward. I love this verse, (Deuteronomy 1: 21) 21- “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.” It means no matter who you are, what you have in life and what you have accomplished in life: fear will come your way and disturb your minds, fear will invade your heart and fear will come and shake your home. Fear will come from different sources and in a different way and from different circumstances. Your fear from years back, your fear yesterday could be different from your fear today or at this very moment. Jesus is the author of faith and Abraham is the father of faith, but Abraham had fear when there was famine in the land. Abraham had fear when they were in Egypt as they explore the land. Let’s be encouraged through the encouragement of Joshua to his people after they captured their enemies and their kings in (Joshua 10: 25) “And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.”
