READ: Gen. 15:1-6: … ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’ But Abram said, ‘Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, …? … And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
After the war, the LORD visits Abram in a vision. Abram might be concerned about his safety, and the LORD speaks words of encouragement to him. He uses profound words: “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Abram is safe with Him, and his future lies in God’s hands.
That future is immense and points to Abram’s descendants. Abram understands this promise but asks about the way in which the LORD will fulfill it. He invokes the LORD’s omnipotence and faithfulness: “Lord GOD.”
There is no doubt in Abram’s heart, but he still does not know how the LORD will give him offspring. The LORD then makes it clear that it will come from Abram’s own body, a true child of his own. This offspring will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. In the east, the night sky appears much more filled with stars than it does where we are. God’s word seems unattainable. Nevertheless, Abram believes in the LORD. He is certain that the LORD is trustworthy and will fulfill His word. He can and will give what He promises.
The faith of Abram serves as an example to us. It is pleasing in the sight of the LORD, and He counts it as righteousness for Abram. It is a faith that does not rely on what is seen but trusts in God’s word (John 20:29, 1 Pet. 1:8).
This faith leads to Abram being later referred to as the “father of all believers” in the New Testament (Rom. 4:11ff). Romans 4:3 and Gal. 3:6 specifically refer back to the statement in Gen. 15:10 that Abram’s faith was counted to him as righteousness by the LORD. This cannot mean that Abram’s faith was his own merit or that he earned his salvation through it. It is the acceptance of what God promises, works, and gives out of grace.
Is it difficult to believe God solely based on His word?
Singing: Ps. 27:7