Genesis 15:1-2

I feel another entry on this fascinating exchange between God and Abram is necessary. I will probably be repeating some of the last entry.

What God says in verse 1 is surely a central pillar of our faith. Within those 3 lines God defines his role in the relationship he has called us to with him. God speaks into the chaos of Abram's world. A world in which he is surrounded by war and trouble, without a permanent home, unable to see how anything will ever change and incapable of producing a child with Sarai. In other words Abram has nothing he wants in this life. All the things that were important - peace, land and a family are alluding him. In that context God beckons Abram to realise that the things he hopes for will never bring contentment in themselves. "Abram, I am your shield and your very great reward". God's opening statement is not "Abram, Do not be afraid, you will have a child". There is something else God is trying to teach Abram first. He wants Abram to realise that actually there is only place for one God in his life. He is saying "I am enough for you".

Later in the passage God reinforces his promise of a child and of land but not before he has spoken to Abram of the correct sequencing of life. When we have ordered our life on the basis that God is enough and no need or want is exulted above him, then all our needs will really be met. Is God your shield and you your reward? Is he the one in whom all your hopes and dreams rest? Do you know that all your needs are met in him? If God has his rightful place in our life then we not need to be afraid of anything. Are you a fearful person? Go to the root - what has taken God's place in your life? What is ruling you? What is the little sovereign that is mastering you? What can you not let go of?

My generation is one that is obsessed with destiny, purpose and calling. I suppose because of the effects of individualism we often think in terms of our personal destiny and rarely in terms of being part of the collective people of God. Because of this I think we are vulnerable of making an idol of destiny. We want the role of the hero in the story, we want to be the ones they write biographies about and we want a place in history. Lots of people have fallen out of that rat race though because they have seen their ambitions and dreams allude them. When our destiny runs aways from us our faith often follows. Is God our shield and reward? Are we content when we are abased and when we abound? Our calling is important but have we become like Abram when he turns to God and says "what can you give me since I am without a child?".

Abram's relationship with God matures throughout his journey and I think we all know what happens when his son finally does come along. Abram grows to truly believe the God is his shield and reward. Have you?

In conclusion I want to return to my claim that God's statement in verse 1 is a pillar of our faith that defines God's relationship with us. He calls us to put our whole hearts into his hands. The relationship is one in which God becomes all to us and nothing else takes his place as our shield and our reward. That is to be the nature of our relationship with him.