Monday, August 19, 2013
Genesis 15:1-6 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
FAITH'S STRENGTH
In Romans 4 the Apostle Paul calls Abraham the father of all believers. In Hebrews 11, the inspired author demonstrates how Abraham showed himself to be a man of faith. In Genesis 14 we see Abraham confessing his faith in a variety of ways.
When Abraham’s nephew Lot -- along with many others and much booty -- is carried off by marauding invaders, Abraham, with 300+ of his own cattle drovers, ranges far to the north to effect a daring rescue. The patriarch clearly trusts that the Lord will protect him and bless his righteous efforts on behalf of the oppressed.
As rescued and rescuer make their way back home, Abraham confesses his faith in two more striking incidents. First, he makes a generous offering to Melchizedek, a priest who blessed him in the name of the one true God, then when the king of Sodom offers him all the booty that has been recovered from the marauders, Abraham turns it all down, saying, "With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'"
Yet shortly after this God came to Abraham in a vision in order to encourage him as he struggled with anxiety and doubt. Faith does not guarantee the believer a trouble-free life or a temptation-free path. In fact, Scripture tells us just the opposite. "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
Believers are not immune to temptation and trouble, tribulation and affliction. Better by far than immunity is the fact that the great Physician knows when our heart is afflicted and our faith is under fire. The LORD who came to Abraham with words of comfort, encouragement, and strength comes to us as well. He who creates faith in Christ in human hearts knows best how to strengthen it.
