Tuesday, 27^th February 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: GOD’S ASSURANCES

THEME SCRIPTURE: “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceeding great reward’.”– Genesis 15:1

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why did God had to assure Abram not to be afraid?

 

Abram (later named Abraham) had embarked on a wild expedition. It took the grace of God for him to return alive. With only 300 trained servants in his house, Abram set out to fight against four kings—Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of nations. Abram and his 300 servants were no match but jointly with God, all things are possible. Abram was able to defeat these four kings and brought back his nephew Lot.

Abram was a man who always wanted to dwell in peace, avoiding any form of confrontation. Now that he has gone to war against four kings (who were a confederate), Abram was troubled. What if these kingdoms hit back some day. There are many times we get worried about the future implications of our actions today. Sometimes we wonder whether what we are doing today have future relevance or not. ‘How will the future be’, we may wonder? Abram was in a fix: “Is it over with the war he just won or it is only the beginning?” Then the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, assuring him to remain calm [and desist from fear] because He [the Lord] is his shield (Gen 15:1).

If God is your shield, beloved, then you are protected. An army may rise up against you yet you will be able to outnumber them because God is greater than any majority. If God is your shield, you will always dwell in safety. See, the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all day long and he shall dwell between His shoulders (Deut 33:12). God’s assurance banishes fear.

In addition, the God who knows our heart and sees the deep thoughts of man also realized that Abram was worried about him not been able to have a child. Irrespective of Abram’s relationship with God, he was not exempted from the challenges of live. He had his own challenge of not being able to have a child of his own (Gen 15:2-3). Some good Christians go through challenges and we are tempted to conclude that such people do not deserve that. That’s not the case. Throughout scripture, men of faith had to go through challenges to put their faith in God to work (James 2:14). But God is faithful, who will be with us throughout the challenges so we can emerge victorious. Knowing what was in Abram’s heart God reminded him that He is his exceeding great reward. Thus, no matter what Abram needed, God should be his cherished possession.

Precious one, there are many times we get overly worked out, stressed and sad because of needs such that we forget that we have God and God has us. We forget that nothing we need in this life is comparable to the God we have in us and with us.

Beloved, what are your concerns and what are your worries. God’s assurances through His word will banish every fear and doubt. His thoughts and plans for you are superior such that in the fullness of the time He will make all things beautiful. In due season, God gave Abram a son. The arm of man will fail you but God is dependable. From today, cultivate the habit of studying the word of God daily and depending on [trusting] His assurances. With God's assurances, you will have no fear or worries. You will be anxious for nothing. Rather, you will always rejoice in the Lord. Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 15:1-6

 

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How well are you studying God’s word and trusting Him?

 

CONFESSION

Eternal Father, without you my worries are many and my soul is restless. But jointly working with you all things are possible. I receive your grace to be consistent with studying your word and relying on your assurances. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Leviticus 1; Leviticus 2; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 11