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Genesis 15: 1 – 3

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.”

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inheritmy estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

REFLECTION

I love reading this scripture. God appeared to Abram before he had changed his name to Abraham. He did not have many things to tell him.

At this time Abraham was very worried because he had no son. He was afraid that a slave (Eliezer) would inherit his estate. Which I understand, nobody wants to live his wealth into the hands of a stranger. We all want to live an inheritance to our children and to our children’s children.

Instead of addressing his worries God tell him not to be afraid because He (God) is his shield, his very great reward. This did not go down well with Abram, instead of jumping to say amen he asked God, “what will you give me seeing I continue childless”. He expected the next statement after do not be afraid to be “I will give you a son”.

Can you see desperation in Abram question? He wanted to hear what he would define as tangible word from God. God was not addressing his need the way he would have wanted at that time.

I want to bring to your attention; we need God more than the things that are stressing us up. God was giving Himself as a gift to Abram. His need at that moment was a son but instead, God talked of a shield, a very great reward (another version says exceedingly great reward). God’s plan for Abram was not a child but children as many as the sand of the sea.

I am imagining Abram must have taken God’s word lightly and in appropriate bearing in mind his greatest concern. That’s why he asks Him, “what will you give me”. God has already said He is Abram reward what else did he want said?

I liken this to our situations today. We value temporal answers as opposed to what God has in mind for us. We want to handle the so pressing needs that we forget to look at things from God’s point of view.

God already knew that Abram is childless and the fact that He told him not to be afraid means he knew he had fears (something was bothering him).

The greatest gift that God gave the world is salvation but just as Abram could not see it when God was speaking to him, we also fail to see it too. How many times has Christianity been considered fashion less? Not the in thing? Or even us ourselves failed to be proud of our salvation? Failed to share our testimony openly? Failed to tell other people that Jesus loves them?

This is the exact problem the Pharisees had. They could not associate with a poor messiah, one who came in like a victim (born in a manger). Are you missing on God because of not valuing what He presents to you?

God gave Himself to Abraham, I wish your spiritual eyes would be opened that you can see this truth. Choose God all the time through His son Jesus Christ.

A gift will only be of profit to you if you receive it, open and enjoy what is inside. If I give you a gift today and you refuse to take it, there is nothing I can do about it. If you take and do not open, it will not benefit you. If you take open and do not use what was inside you will not enjoy it. The same case with salvation. God has given Himself to as us as a valuable gift (the bible says a very great reward). We have to accept Him and allow him to work within us, for us to enjoy this great gift.

We pursue blessing yet the blesser want to live within us. Take up your gift today. Do not continue gift less; without your very great reward (our Lord Jesus Christ). If you have already accepted Him allow Him to work for you and in you.

Genesis 15 Verse 4 and 5 continues the conversation between Abram and God and He promises him descendants as many as the number of the stars in the sky. This tells me that as you receive the very great reward, your prayer list will not continue. He will answer it even beyond your expectations. Shout amen!

PRAYER

Lord God almighty, I choose you today. Help me to realize you are the reward I need in my life. Help me to fix my eyes on you, my exceedingly great reward. Teach me to value you and not the various prayer items I have. This I pray in Jesus name, amen.

REPENTANCE PRAYER

(say this prayer if you have never said it)

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of your deliverance. I believe you died on the cross for my sake. I repent my sins and welcome you into my heart; cleanse me with your blood and forgive my sins. I acknowledge you as my Lord and savior. Teach me to fear you and to walk in the knowledge of you. This I pray and believe, Amen.

Note: If you have prayed the above prayer, you have given your life to Jesus. Look for a bible-based church and live for God. You can reach us if you like using twitter, Facebook, our website or call +18883131174. God bless you.