In children’s ministry we talk often about Father Abraham. There are songs sung in his honor about the many sons Abraham has. We sometimes remember the great sacrifice Abraham was asked to give with respect to Isaac, and the way the Lord saw fit to spare Isaac after seeing Abraham’s faithfulness. I could go on about Abraham but I have always been struck by one quick little verse in Genesis 15:1. This is after Abraham has routed an army after fleeing Sodom with Lot his nephew and, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” How would your life be different if we lived in the saving knowledge of these words from the Sovereign Lord? How much differently would you respond knowing that the Lord was your shield? How often have we responded out of fear instead of faith? How would your life be changed knowing that we are receiving a great reward?

This is how we are designed to live. We are designed to be the children of the Great High King. As children of the King, we should feel as though everything will be in our favor. Obviously we sometimes make poor decisions in our lives, and at times those decisions can cause us heartache and stress. However, as King’s kids it will be overcome. Humans are designed to live with the faith of the Father. The Creator of all things put us together to rely on Him the Creator to make it through our lives. Why then do we spend so much of our time hiding from one another trying to get through life solely on our own? As I give my life to Christ every day, I must also relinquish control to the One who knows what tomorrow will bring. Getting back to the basics is wrapped up in this vision from God to Abram.

Do not be afraid, Christians. I am your shield, your very great reward!!

On the journey together,
Kirk