THOSE WHOSE REWARD IS GOD

At different stages in our lives, a time comes when everything seems bleak, and all hope seems lost; at that time, the believer lifts their head and looks to the God who is higher than every hill (Psalm 121) and will never go back on His word—the one who is ever ready to guarantee our outcomes.

As we delve into our text for today, taken from Genesis 15:1-18, we find solace in the relatable struggle of Abraham. Despite witnessing many great miracles in his life, he, too, experienced moments of vulnerability and abandonment, just like many of us do.

This episode powerfully reminds us that we are never alone in our moments of Fear and self-doubt. God's promises are our blessed assurance, offering security beyond any threat the enemy may present. He is our ultimate reward, a universal life insurance guaranteeing the restoration of all things many times over.

Here's an excerpt worth noting:

' AFTER THESE things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great. And Abram said Lord God, what can You give me, since I am going on [from this world] childless and he who shall be the owner and heir of my house is this [steward] Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram continued, Look, You have given me no child, and [a servant] born in my house is my heir. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This man shall not be your heir, but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir.' - Genesis 15:1-4 (AMPC)

When God elevates your reward structure to include Himself as your primary guaranteed or base pay, then all the other needs of your life become fringe benefits.

In 1 Samuel 1:1-10, we see the story of Hannah, who, after many years of marriage, had no children and faced constant provocation from Peninnah, her co-wife, yet God caused the childless wife to enjoy more love and support from Elkannah, their husband, who gave double portions to her. When the LORD finally answered her prayers for a child, not only did God give her as many as she wanted, but the first child, Samuel, was the equivalent of ten sons as her husband had previously described himself.

In 1 Samuel 30, David lost his family and that of his followers, along with all they all had ever worked for, after being summarily dismissed and driven away empty-handed from serving the Philistines, a relationship he had carefully cultivated for years. Though his sudden misfortune resulted from his bad choices, the LORD, his exceeding great reward, ensured the restoration of all he lost with interest.

In Matthew chapter 1, we see a role call spanning 42 generations of people who entered the lineage of Jesus Christ through childbirth until Joseph. He did not qualify, going by the precedent established over centuries, but when God is your exceeding great reward, He gives you all things, even things you don't deserve.

Always remember, God is not just a Shield; He is an exceedingly great reward. He is your El-Shaddai, the God of more than enough, and He will abundantly supply all your needs, regardless of your circumstances or qualifications.

Believe only.

#Selah