Gen 15:1 … “I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Again today I am wrestling with my perception of Father Abraham and the reality that when God said to him, “I am your shield, your very great reward,” his response was, “But God, I want kids so that I can pass on all that I have.” I would have expected from this paragon of faith, “Thank You, Lord.” Or “I’m not worthy, Lord.” Or SOMETHING that speaks of thankfulness. His reply seems most ungrateful. “Yeah, God, that’s great. But what I really want is offspring.”
Gen 15:3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children….”
I’ve always thought of Abram in terms of his righteousness. I’ve never felt I had too much in common with him. I worry and fear and doubt so very much. This section of Genesis shows me we have much in common and not in a positive way, but just like Abram increases his faith, I can, too, by trusting God’s promises, even when I am afraid.
Gen 15:8 But Abram replies, “O Sovereign LORD, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this honest look at Abram and his faith. Thank You that all I have comes from You, that I can rest in the protection of Your presence and that I have You always. Even when life feels like it is falling apart, You are holding me securely. You never promised that this life would be easy or carefree, but you promised to be my shield and my very great reward. Thank You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.