Title: Do not be afraid, Abraham
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Do not be afraid, Abraham (Genesis 15:1-3).
Dear saints in Jesus Christ! This is indeed a fragile being. When we are strong, we are infinitely strong and energetic, but when we are weak, we are infinitely weak. Abraham was also energized and won a great victory against the Allied Forces of Mesopotamia. But now Abraham is so weak that he is trembling with fear. This is what we humans look like. This is also our reality today. God came to Abraham, who was trembling in fear. “Fear not, Abraham, for I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.” As we meditate on the text this morning, we want to share grace with you under the title of “Do not be afraid, Abraham.”
I. Abraham's Fear
Why is Abraham afraid now?
First, it is Chedorlaomer. Chedorlaomer, the leader of Mesopotamia, led the Allied Forces and punished the five kings of the Dead Sea region. In fact, it devastated the entire area of Canaan. And they took Lot, Abraham's nephew, captive. Abraham took his vassal 318 and attacked Chedorlaomer. Abraham won a great victory and rescued Lot. But Chedorlaomer can't just be suffering. It is clear that he will find out who Abraham is, form a battle line, and launch a battle of revenge. Abraham is now anxious and unbearable. It is unsettling when Chedorlaomer will lead a large army and attack.
Second, Abraham had no heirs. Abraham is now old. It has been more than 10 years since I left Ur of the Chaldeans after receiving God's call. Abraham is also well over 80 years old. But there are no children. Abraham's wealth increased. But there is no son to inherit the property. The body is getting old and old, but there are no children in the family. They have no children to depend on their old and sick bodies. Abraham had a fear of the future.
This Abrahamic fear is the fear that everyone has, and it is our fear today. Aren't we afraid of reality today? Everyone is concerned about the global economic downturn. There is fear of the future.
II. God's promise
When Abraham was anxious and afraid of future problems due to real problems and future problems, God came to Abraham in a vision and told him not to be afraid. You have given me reasons not to be afraid.
First, because God is Abraham's shield. What is a shield? In ancient warfare, the shield was a defensive weapon. A shield blocks swords, spears and arrows. Protects the body from enemy attacks. You can dodge enemy attacks as long as you have a shield. God says, “I am your shield.” It says that God Himself is the shield. He says that God Himself becomes my shield and blocks the attacks of all enemies. God provided Abraham's shield. So Chedorlaomer did not attack Abraham. How many trials are like water and fiery in this world? But there is nothing to be afraid of. God is my shield and keeps me safe.
Second, because God is Abraham's reward. It means that you will be rewarded and receive infinite blessings. I am not saying that I will reward you. Yahweh God is the reward. This is an extremely great reward. It is an eternal and absolute reward. Dear all! As children of God, we are the spiritual Levites today. God is our reward today, our inheritance. God is in charge. No worries, no worries. When God is with me, all good things are in God.
Once upon a time, there was a famous filial piety in Jinju. The king was greatly moved by his filial piety. The king personally went to reward the filial son.
‘What is your wish? Say your wish.”
‘I have no wish. I am satisfied with living with my parents.’
‘But tell me your wish’
‘I have no wishes. However, if the king visits this place only once a year, there will be no greater honor.’
‘What can be difficult about it?’
Everyone called him an idiot. He said that he had missed the opportunity to make his wish come true. But it wasn't. If you have acquired a lot of wealth, it may disappear. The same goes for authority. However, the king visits this filial son every year. The royal family protects him, and the police officers come to protect him and take care of his health. It takes care of life and is filled with nothing missing. Even if the king comes only once a year, this happens, but God, the King of kings, is with me. What would you lack?
Dear all! God is our exceedingly great reward. This reward is an infinite reward. It is a premium that will not disappear. It is an eternal reward. It is the reward of this life and the afterlife. It is a heavenly reward.
Dear all! God tells us not to be afraid. He tells you not to be afraid even if you come across a situation where you have no choice but to be afraid even if everyone in the world is afraid. “I will be your shield and protect you. I will be your exceedingly great reward and bless you.” God is my shield! God is my greatest reward! I pray that you will become a victorious saint by believing and relying on that God.