God Is Our Shield And Our Great Reward

-January 6, 2025-

Good morning dear friends, happy Monday,

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’”

(Genesis 15:1).

God made a covenant with Abram, known as the Abrahamic Covenant. He is called the father of many nations and God richly blessed him. Abram had just won a great victory and defeated mighty kings and their armies, delivering Lot and his family who had been taken captive from Sodom.

There are four notable covenants in the Scriptures made with individuals: the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, and the Davidic Covenant. We are under the New Covenant. There are so many lessons we can learn from all of them.

God appeared to Abram and encouraged him after his great victory over the enemy forces. The devil always attacks us after we have had a great victory. The same thing happened after Elijah had a great victory at Mount Camel over the prophets of Baal. Satan stirred up wicked Queen Jezebel, who threatened to kill him and he fled from her. God sought him out and strengthened and encouraged him.

God exhorted Abram not to be afraid and tells him why: “I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.” Over and over in Scripture God says, “Fear not” or “Do not fear.” Why does it appear so many times? It is because we have so much fear.

We often fear the future because it is uncertain. The Lord knows our hearts and He knows what the future holds. God never changes and He promises to be with us moment by moment.

God is our shield – The soldier’s best protection is a strong shield. God is our strong shield; nothing can penetrate it. Paul wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. He spoke of the shield of faith. It extinguishes the flaming missiles of the devil, who wants to discourage and terrify us.

God is our exceedingly great reward – He not only protects us but He rewards us. He wants us to be victorious over the world, the flesh, and the devil. There will be bumps, bruises, wounds, mistakes, failures, and pain; but God promises to use them all for our good and to make us like Christ.

One of the greatest promises in Scripture is Romans 8:28, “Paul wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” There will be giants to face this year, but the Lord also promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Our Lord doesn’t always the calm the storm, but calms our hearts in the storm and brings us through the storm. He doesn’t always remove the obstacle, but helps us overcome it. He doesn’t take away the thorn, but gives us His sufficient grace to endure it.

Let us look to God and forward and as we go through this year with a stronger faith, a greater commitment, and a more willing heart. Have a blessed day walking with Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.

When the day is drear, we should never fear; for the Lord is with us and is always near.

Dean