Poor Abraham. No prototypes to model himself after, no forerunners to show him the way. No written communication to refer to. All he had was the “word” of the Lord (have you ever wondered how he knew it was God speaking to him?), telling him to leave all he had ever known and venture forth to who-knows-where.
That was just the beginning of a strange and wonderful relationship forged between a mere man and the God of all. Over the decades that followed, Abraham (who at this point was still named Abram) didn’t always get it right. In fact, he failed miserably on more than one occasion. But over time Abraham learned obedience—and earned the distinguished title of “friend of God.” We are blessed to have a record of his life to see what the walk of faith is like. It’s not a smooth or prescribed journey, and it’s full of many dark nights of the soul.
At one point Abram was beginning to doubt everything—his calling, God’s faithfulness, and his ability to go on. When he began the journey from Ur his nephew Lot had been along, providing a great deal of moral support for Abraham I’m sure. But as time went on, it became necessary for Abraham to give up even this small concession of comfort from his past. Lot took his family and possessions in a different direction, leaving Abraham to travel on alone with his barren wife, Sarah. What hope did they have of seeing God’s promises fulfilled, seeing they had no heir?
God knew how discouraged Abram was at this point, so He spoke to him again, this time in a vision. Here’s what He said: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1).
It’s easy to miss the significance of this incredible statement. I doubt that Abraham got it at that time, but as the years unfolded, he could look back and see its enormity. This would be the defining difference between the people of God and the people of the world. God’s people wouldn’t necessarily escape all the pressures and problems of life, but they could count on something that transcended any earthly treasure. They had the promise of an enduring relationship with God himself … and that trumped everything else. It was a treasure that would never lose its value, could not be stolen, would not wear out, change, or disappear, and it would keep on giving, even beyond the grave.
We need this reminder as we begin a new year filled with uncertainty and dire predictions. Through Jesus Christ’s work on our behalf, we have entered into a relationship with Almighty God, just as Abraham did. He is our shield and our very great reward as well. Can we see what an incredible privilege is ours? Or do we still look to the world for our security, our pleasures, and our rewards?
Moses understood his godly treasure. Hebrews 11:24-26 tells us how he found the strength to turn away from the immediate luxuries of palace life to embrace something far better. “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
With God as our reward, we enjoy a present and future benefit. Right now, in my present life, no matter what my circumstances may be, I have the fellowship of the Holy Spirit residing within me. He ministers God’s peace and joy and comfort in the midst of uncertainty and fear all around me. I’m not limited, as those who are outside of God’s covenant are, by the whims and conditions of the world. They don’t define me or dictate my future. I have a sure and abiding confidence in an unchanging God who has promised He’ll never leave me or forsake me.
But my reward extends into the future as well. When I reach heaven’s shores and can look back with the eyes of perfect understanding, I will be able to see how great my salvation was. I will be able to rejoice then in a way I cannot now, because I don’t yet know all that I have been delivered from and all the incredible benefits that are mine because I belong to Jesus. Paul tried to tell us in 2 Corinthians 4 to keep our focus on what is truly important: the unseen world of the Spirit. All that we see around us today—our bank accounts, our homes, our jobs, our worldly fame, our creature comforts, even our physical health—is a vapor that appears for a little while and then is gone.
But our reward is the One who is eternal and unchanging. The faithful One, who keeps all His promises and sees us safely through anything the world can throw at us. Listen to the glorious end of our sometimes difficult faith walk: “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
As this new year begins, let’s fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Whatever happens in the global economy, whatever challenges we may face on a personal level, we have a living relationship with the living God! What can compare with that?
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I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; |
Lyrics by Rhea F. Miller, 1922
Adventuring with God 