Tues 1st Sept - #103. He is Enough.
Have you ever said to someone “Wow, that’s just what I needed! Thank you so much! How did you know?” I expect you have. And actually we can say this to the LORD all the time because all the time He knows just what we need and when we need it.
In Genesis 14 we see that Abram had been in a war with 4 kings. He had fought them with his homemade SAS of 318 trained men in order to rescue his nephew Lot who had been kidnapped by these kings. Abram had won that war and now returned to the Promised Land, but he was no doubt a bit edgy – watching to see if the 4 kings would regather their forces to attack him. He needed the Lord’s protection.
What’s more, when he returned from the war he bought back everything that had been taken captive or captured. He gained a lot of people and a lot of money and goods in this way. He could have kept the riches and goods for himself, but he refused and gave back to the King of Sodom all the people and all the riches he had won. Abram was certainly worse off in doing this, but he did it. Maybe he wondered if he would have enough to get by?
All this is recorded in Genesis 14.
Then at the opening of Genesis 15: The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision. What would the Lord say to him? What did Abram need at this particular point in his life of faith? The word of the Lord said this, “Do not be afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” And that is just what Abram needed: a shield for protection, and a reward to get by. The LORD knew what he needed and promised he would provide it.
But actually there is something greater that the Lord gives Abram. He gives Himself. Did you notice “I AM your shield, your very great reward.” God Himself is Abram’s shield. God Himself is Abram’s reward. What more did Abram need?
As Calvin puts it, “For whosoever shall be fully persuaded that his life is protected by the hand of God, and that he never can be miserable while God is gracious to him; and who consequently resorts to this haven in all his cares and troubles, will find the best remedy for all evils.”
God is enough for us.
Love from Paul
