Description

Abram was plugging along with life and trusting God for a child. This child would lead to a nation that would lead to the Messiah. Waiting is hard! Honestly, it stinks. Our faith is tested in the waiting process as well as our desires. What do we really want out of life?

I am sure Abram had highs and lows, just like us. He probably wondered if he blew it and disqualified himself. He probably wondered if God had really spoken to him. He probably questioned so many things. Can you relate? When you are in a season of waiting, what rises up in you? For me, it is questions and doubts, second-guessing and constant wondering.

That is why today’s Scripture means so much to me. I have studied Genesis 15 a number of times. I have always focused on the details of the covenant process and what it meant for Abram, and what it means for us. Today, my heart is in a much more tender place. As I pour over this passage of Scripture, a lump forms in my throat. My heart beats a little faster. I see God loving, reassuring, and reminding Abram that everything is going to be OK. I wonder if you need to hear that truth today? Do you need to know that God sees you, and everything is going to be OK?

In Genesis 15, we are going to learn that Abram is struggling to trust God in two areas: land and legacy. These are two important themes that run throughout the Old Testament.

Land: God was promising to provide the Promised Land. The Promised Land would be a prime spot of land providing a place for the Nation of Israel to live. In this passage, God is going to enter into covenant with Abram securing the land for Abram’s descendants.

Legacy: The Promise of God to Abram had always been for a descendent. This descendant would provide the line for the Messiah. In this passage, God is going to further clarify the Promise.   

Genesis 15:1-19

Key Points from Genesis 15:1-19

1. God is our Shield and our Reward: (Vs. 1) I love that God initiates this encounter in Abram’s life and addresses an issue going on in Abram’s life. God is faithful to meet us at our greatest point of need!
   • “Do not be Afraid”: The word “afraid” used in this passage can be used in two ways: In this case, it means “an emotional or intellectual anticipation of harm or danger, the sense of dread.” In a sense, God is saying, “Abram, do not dread the future.” Why should Abram embrace this word from the Lord?
   • “I am your shield”: God reminded Abram where his safety was found. Abram’s safety was found in the One true God rather than his circumstances. We do not have to dread the future because God and His plan provide a shield of safety for us. We are told to take up the shield of faith. This is the belief that God is willing and able to save us no matter the situation we face.
   • “Your Very Great Reward”: God proclaimed a powerful truth over Abram’s life. No amount of physical, tangible, or relational experiences would adequately take the place of God in Abram’s life. This truth served as a protection for Abram, and it serves as a protection for us. Before God confirmed the promise of land and legacy, God reminded about the beauty of His protection and His presence.
2. God can handle our Honest Questions and Deep Doubts: (Vs. 2-3) Abram responded to the faithfulness of God with honest questions and deep doubts. Let that truth sink in. Abram was real in the midst of his journey. He didn’t have to clean himself up or get his act together. He simply needed to “be” in the presence of God. The question on Abram’s heart went to the heart of the Promise God had made. “What can you give me since I remain childless?” What is the question on your heart for God? Do you believe it is OK to be real before God and with others? Sometimes we c...