Who is our God? What is He like?
He is the reward of the faithful.
We are reminded in scripture that those who respond to God by faith will be rewarded appropriately. The writer of Hebrews says it this way:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Abram was obedient to God. In the midst of a new land, new neighbors, and new challenges, he remained faithful. When the situation called for him to rise up and defend his own in the face of the enemy, he remained faithful, honoring God with the spoils. And now it was time for God to reward his faith. The unusual nature of this reward is what we find interesting. We read in verse one:
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1)
You read that right. God is Abram’s reward. What does that mean? If you recall, back in our very first devotion we revealed that God’s greatest gift to man was Himself. God stamped His image on us. He created us after His likeness. And though we have marred that image by a decision to sin, God goes to great lengths to restore that image through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the reward of Abram’s faith. Abram was promised a seed; not just any seed, and not just Isaac as the seed, but the promised seed is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the reward of Abram’s faith, and by Him the same blessing comes to all nations. Luke describes the Lord Jesus as,
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:32)
Friends, let me share something very special with you today. The Lord Jesus is not just the reward of Abram’s faith, He is the reward of your faith as well. Abram’s faith was rewarded by being the vessel God used to offer eternal life to all who would believe on his seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. God Himself was Abram’s reward. God Himself can be your reward.
Behold our God!