THE GOD WHO IS TRUSTWORTHY

GENESIS 12:1–8; 15:1–6

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).

Because of the prominence of faith in Romans 4, we will spend the next three days examining its nature in greater detail. Of primary consideration in this venture must be the character of God and His faithfulness.

If I could have only one book, it would be the Bible. If I could have only one book out of the Bible, it would be Hebrews, since it includes everything in the Bible. But if I could only have one chapter, I would want the one I love the best, Genesis 15, where God made a covenant with Abram.

The Father of the Fearful

The first thing God said to Abram was, “Fear not.” It is interesting to realize that in the Gospels. Jesus is constantly saying, “Don’t be afraid.” Fear is one of our greatest problems and it was Abram’s problem as well. He was not only the father of the faithful, but also the father of the fearful.

God did not want Abram to be afraid. God gave him a reason not to be. He said, “I am your shield.” If God is Abram’s shield, does it make sense for Abram to cower in fear? Of course not. How about you? If you really believe that God is your shield, will you be afraid?

The God of the Covenant

God promised Abram a vast multitude of heirs, but Abram asked God to seal the promise. God had Abram cut a heifer, a goat, and a ram in half and spread out the pieces in two rows, along with two birds. Then, “when the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking fire pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces” (Genesis 15:17).

What did this mean? The smoking pot and blazing torch represented God Himself. According to the biblical method of covenant-making, God was saying, “Abram, if there is one promise to you and to your seed that I fail to keep, may I, God Almighty, be as these animals!” Is it likely that God will be ripped in half and killed? No, nor will any of His promises fail.

CORAM DEO

God swore on His own life to be Abram’s shield and reward. He makes the same promise to us, that ultimately our faith can never be in vain. Today ask Him to increase your faith in the face of your fears, whatever they may be.

For further study: Matthew 10:24–42: John 10:1–30

WEEKEND