“Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shied, your very great reward.”
(Genesis 15:1 NIV)
God shared this word with Abram after he had moved away from home, after he’d gone through Canaan, ventured in and out of Egypt and after he had prospered in the Negev. (Consider that miracle for a moment: who flourishes – gains financial ground – in the wilderness?) Abram received this word after he had surrendered the best of the land to his young nephew Lot. This comfort from God came after Lot had gotten carried away by his relationship with sin and was rescued by Uncle Abram. It was in the wake of this valiant rescue that Abram met and made offering to Melchizadek and refused the loot of the King of Sodom. It was after this great decision between right and wrong the God promised Abram He would be his Provider and Protector.
Choosing between right and wrong is still our primary objective as God-followers. We select between the hard and the easy. We decide to go God’s way or the world’s way. Spirit or flesh. Good or bad. We make this choice over and over every day of our earthly existence.
When my kids were still walking out the door for school, I’d remind them “Make good choices and honor Jesus.” I’ve let that be the last thing they hear from me almost every day for fifteen years. I hope it echoes in their brains for as long as they live.
The amazing thing is: when we choose God’s way, we get God’s blessing. God speaks up on our behalf. Even though Abram chose the lesser land, the lower road, the unrewarded walk back home, God saw him and decided to honor his loyalty to righteousness with protection and provision.
Today’s reading took me to Psalm 5, where David echoes Abram’s sentiments.
“But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.” (Psalm 5:11 NIV)
We take refuge in God by doing right rather than wrong, by choosing His path instead of forging our own. He rewards righteousness as only an all-powerful God can.
Lord, please give us the guts to make right choices each and every day. Grant us grace when we fall short and the strength to stand up again. May we walk in the provision and protection of Your good favor. Amen.