“After
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.” Genesis 15:1
Let me put
this matter into context.
Listen to
this: “The LORD had said
to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the
land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1
And now
note what Abram did in response to God’s instruction: “So Abram went, as the LORD had told
him…” Genesis 12:4
The
action that Abram took in response to God’s instruction is a great example of
what walking with God really means. Quite an inspiration!
God
instructed Abram, and Abram did exactly as God had instructed him.
Have
you ever noted that some people are quite articulate at explaining the
Scriptures? Have you also noted, and sadly so, that some, probably quite a
number, of such people do not practise what they know and teach? It’s truly bewildering!
They know the will of God, but they choose to follow their own will instead!
The
Bible teaches us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers or preachers of it.
The Bible actually tells us that we deceive ourselves for as long as we remain
just hearers of the Word and not doers of it. Can somebody claim to have faith,
or to be a disciple of Christ, when they do not put His Word into practice?
I
am persuaded that nothing beats the knowledge of the Word of God that is coupled with
obedience. I am also persuaded that knowledge without practice is of very
limited value; it would actually be a deception! I am further persuaded that
the devil is always powerless before a believer who puts into practice what the
Word of God teaches.
“After
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.” Genesis 15:1
or
“After these things, the word of the Lord came to
Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Have no fear, Abram: I will keep you safe, and
great will be your reward.’” [BBE translation]
I argue that these encouraging words are a result of how Abram responded
to God’s voice. It started with Abram hearing the Word of God, in the form of
the instruction given to him, followed by the action that Abram took consistent
with the instruction.
So, God made a commitment to Abram that in difficult or challenging times, He was
to be Abram’s shield or protector. God also promised Abram a very great reward.
A ‘great reward’ is excellent in itself, but a ‘very great reward’ that God
promised Abram is beyond the human mind to comprehend. One Bible translation
refers to it as an ‘exceeding great reward.’ It’s also available to you, but
there is a price to pay. You need to ensure that under all circumstances your
will gives way to the will of God.
Follow the will of God
always; will you?
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