GENESIS 15
Abram’s reward was not the applause of the people he rescued but the approval of the God he served. This is the first of many “fear nots” in the Bible. Fear after a battle is not unusual, but fear and faith cannot live very long in the same heart (Matt. 8:26). Abram’s fears were quieted by three revelations from God.
What God is (1). God is our protection and provision, so we need not fear the enemy without or our feelings within. God is the great I AM, and He can meet every need. With Him, we have everything; without Him, nothing we have is sufficient.
What God says (2–7). Abram looked at himself and realized how old he was getting. Then he looked at his steward, Eliezer, and thought perhaps God could use him. But God told him to stop looking at himself and at others and to start looking up to God. This is the second time he lifted up his eyes to see what God had for him (
What God does (8–21). God sealed His promise with a covenant. In those days, to walk between the divided parts of an animal was one way to seal an agreement. But God was the only One who passed between the pieces! Abram was asleep! God’s covenants are all of grace (
When you find yourself afraid or impatient with God’s will, look toward heaven and remember His covenant and His promises. When you bring your offering to God, be sure the enemy doesn’t steal it. When you can do nothing, rest assured God is at work.
Fear
There is a godly fear, a reverence for the Lord, that must be in every heart (1 Pet. 1:17;