439. GEN 15:1. GOD THE SHIELD OF THE RIGHTEOUS

Gen_15:1. God The Shield Of The Righteous

"I am thy shield."’97Gen_15:1.

To Abraham these gracious words were spoken. Spoken unto him in a vision, spoken by the Lord of hosts. Spoken by him who is faithful and true, and who never failed in aught that he promised to his people. Abraham’s history verified the promise. God was indeed his shield; no evil came near him; and after having enjoyed the protection of the divine presence, and the favor of the divine friendship, doubtless God became his heavenly and exceeding great reward. But the text need not be limited to Abraham. The promise is equally the property of all his spiritual seed. God is the seed of all the righteous, Observe,

I. The Righteous require a Shield.

They have enemies. Wicked men are such. Evil spirits are such. Against the righteous these are combined under one mighty, malevolent, persevering, and potent adversary, the devil. He is represented as a roaring lion. As a powerful prince. As an enemy who throws his fiery darts to destroy them. Of themselves they are not sufficient to oppose his diabolical power, consequently they are in a position of imminent peril. Under these circumstances they would necessarily perish, it God did not graciously interpose and engage to be their shield. Consider,

II. In what respects God is their shield.

A shield is that piece of defensive armor by which the arrows or strokes of the adversary are warded off. Now God is the shield of his people in a variety of respects.

1. He is the shield of their substance.

He puts a hedge around all that they have. Satan could not injure the property of Job until God said, "Behold, all that he hath is in thy power," Job_1:12. God says that no plague shall come nigh their dwelling, Psa_91:10.

2. He is the shield of their bodies.

He holds the lives and breath of his saints in his hand. He gives his angels charge concerning them, &c., Psa_91:11. See also Isa_33:16. The Lord will preserve and keep them alive, &c., Psa_33:16, Psa_33:19.

3. He is the shield of their souls.

He guides, he keeps, and upholds the souls of his people. He watches for their safety. He preserves from Satan’s attacks, from the world’s snares, and from the frailties arising from the infirmities of the flesh. Thus God is the shield of the righteous, in all they are, and have. Notice,

III. The peculiar Excellencies of this Shield.

1. It is omnipotent.

The mighty power of God is the shield and defence of the righteous. "Kept by the power of God." A shield all-sufficient. Never failed.

2. It is a perpetual shield.

At all times and in all places. In every age and season. Throughout life, and in the valley and shadow of death.

3. A universal shield.

Of the whole collective church, and of each member in particular. Not one of God’s spiritual family is overlooked or left exposed to peril. He is the shield of each one, and of all who trust in him.

4. The only shield.

Nothing would avail. Human policy, wisdom power, combination, all unavailing without God. He only is the sure invincible, and everlasting defence and shield of the righteous.

Application

1. Let saints cleave to the Lord, and thus avail themselves of this invaluable shield. Faith and prayer encircle us with God’s protecting and preserving power.

2. Be grateful for it. How we ought to exult in it, and give God constant and hearty thanks for it.

3. How awful is the condition of the sinner. Not only without this shield, but in opposition to God, and exposed to his divine power and wrath. O let such flee to the Mediator, and lay hold of God’s strength and be at peace.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS