Genesis 15, Matthew 6

Friday, Dec 14, 2007 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 15, Matthew 6)

(Genesis 15)

Verse 1 says, “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.”

What an amazing promise.

We also see in the following verses a beautiful dialogue between Abram and God. Abram has some very direct questions. And he asks them. It’s odd to me how we think it’s wrong to ask God questions. Our God is secure and confident. Our questions are welcomed. Why? Because He has the answers to all of our questions.

So Abram asked his questions. God answered the questions. And scripture simply says, “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

The difference between Abram and us is the fact that when God answered, he believed, and moved on to the next thing. Many times we ask, “Are you sure God?” and sit and dwell on it.

I thought it was interesting also what was said in verse 1 that it was his “great reward”. For what? We find the answer for that in the prior Scriptures. An example of that is in the closing verses of the last chapter when it says, “22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.”

The four Kings had seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah. When Abrams crew recovered it all, The King of Sodom’s offer to Abram was to keep all the goods and just return the people. Can you imagine that? A Kingdom’s possessions! That surely would represent millions today, if not more. And yet, Abram was faithful to following the Lord’s direct leading in being provided for by God alone.

So verse 1 was his reward, God said, “Abram, I am your shield.” What more can a man ask for?

Father, help us to seek after your treasures only. Helps us to be content with your provision as you provide. Help us to know that you give as we can handle and you always have more available when needed whether that be comfort, peace, vision, or provision. Thank you father for calling us to be heirs to the King.

(Matthew 6)

Jesus made it clear that his desire is that we have peace. The thing I struggle with more than anything is related to that concept. It’s so difficult to not think, be concerned, worry, about what’s next. Sometimes for reasons that even may seem righteous. But it shows where our faith truly is in God’s provision. Verse 25 is a great comfort to me.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

I think this verse has a much broader meaning than just our physical need.

Father, I pray for a faith and confidence that exceeds our human ability. Thank you for your proven faithfulness and provision. Forgive me where I forget.