Untitled Sermon (2)

The New International Version Chapter 15

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield, s

your very great reward. t”

English Standard Version Chapter 15

15 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

This is so sweet to me - God takes the initiative to reach out to Abraham not in a thunderous voice of the Creator but as a gentle Shepherd who knew His sheep and called him by name.

After

The Lord reaches out to Abraham but look what the first part of the verse says - After these things -

Abraham has left his home

Lot has left Him with an attitude of ingratitude.

He has just been to war with 5 kings and destroyed them and took all their loot. He met with Melchizedek the high priest of Salem who blessed him. He also met with the arrogant -evil King of Sodom who tried to bargain with him. Now he is back in his tent - still wandering - no real home. I am thinking as we studied 14 and we get to 15 - Was Abraham worried about the 5 kings and would they come back for revenge? Was he worried about his future? Did he have an uncertain feeling? Was he questioning his life? He must have been afraid - because we see in verse 1 - God approaches him and says Fear Not Abram. Have you ever had a moment in your life - where it is after these things?

Have you just been in a battle with the enemy?

Have you taken a stand for God’s Word, confronting someone in authority? Have you taken a bold step of faith? Have you just initiated a ministry? Are you afraid you have family members that will never be saved? Maybe your life is not turning out like you thought it should? Or you think you life is off course and your wondering where God is? your asking yourself - I was sure I was following God in this plan and it it is not working out!

So many situations and so many times we find ourselves afraid.

God says to Abraham - Fear not Abram.

The prophet heard this same voice when the Lord said to Him

heard this same voice when the Lord said to Him

The New International Version Chapter 41

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The New International Version Chapter 41

13 For I am the LORD your God

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

We God reach out to Abraham, he reaches out to Isaiah - He knows where they are at in their life. He also knows where you are too. This is a thrilling reassurance to know that Abraham’s God, and Isaiah’s God, is also our God. And he speaks personally to me and to you.

Look at the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.

Remember there is no written word of the Lord - no bible for Abraham to hear from God. The main way we hear from God is thru God’s written word. When I read commentaries on this chapter - many believe that the Lord himself in a visible form.

The word of the Lord - is the same name for Jesus.

Remember John 1:1

The New International Version Chapter 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The New International Version Chapter 1

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.