Fear not
(Genesis 15:1-21)
What does it truly mean to possess genuine faith? In an age of superficial belief, it is essential to delve deep and discern the authentic nature of our trust in the Divine.
The parable of the sower in Mark 4:1-20 cautions us against the perils of a superficial or fake faith. It’s relatively straightforward to believe when the waters are calm and to trust when there’s no shadow of doubt cast on our path. But the true essence of faith becomes apparent in the eye of the storm, in the moments steeped in fear and doubt.
Peter, in his first epistle, provides a glimpse into the nature of such faith. He speaks of a trust that remains steadfast even amidst the fieriest of trials and an unwavering belief that stands tall even when engulfed by the heaviest of doubts (1 Pet 1:3-9). But Peter doesn’t just make a lofty claim; he lays down a rational foundation for this genuine faith, a foundation laid much earlier by Abraham:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:6–7)
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God…
Genesis 15:1
Genesis 15:1 stands as a powerful testament to the assurance God provides to those who align their hearts with His will. The passage reads, “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.’”
To appreciate the gravity of this declaration, one must first consider the preceding context. “After these things” refers to events chronicled in Genesis 14:22-24, where Abram makes a significant decision to reject the worldly possessions offered by the king of Sodom. This action by Abram wasn’t a mere refusal of riches, but a deep, symbolic assertion of his commitment to God over worldly allurements.
The words “fear not” are poignant. This comforting phrase is a recurrent message from God to His chosen people throughout scripture, notably repeated to Isaac in Genesis 26:24, to Jacob in Genesis 46:3, and later to the entire nation of Israel in Deuteronomy 1:21. It serves as a reminder of God’s everlasting presence and providence amidst uncertainties.
Peter’s counsel in 1 Peter 5:6 beautifully amplifies this sentiment: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” The connection here is profound. The admonition to “fear not” can be viewed as a call to humble oneself. Fear, in many instances, is a byproduct of pride—a self-absorption that blinds us from seeing God’s omnipotence. In humbling ourselves, we are essentially shedding this self-centric view and placing our trust entirely in God’s mighty hand. So, as humbled servants, there should be no fear within His mighty hand and sovereign will.
When the Lord proclaims, “I am your shield,” it is not just a promise of protection, but also a declaration of His omnipotent presence. This “I am” of God becomes a grounding force against our moments of “I am not.” The beautiful words in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” echo this notion. In moments of doubt, fear, or inadequacy, humbling oneself and recognizing the “I am” of God can transform our perspective, reminding us that in His presence, our inadequacies fade.
Lastly, the promise that Abram’s “reward shall be very great” ties back into the essence of 1 Peter 5:6. Those who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand will, in due time, be exalted and find their reward with Him. The rewards of the world, like those offered by the king of Sodom, may be tempting, but the eternal reward from God surpasses them all.
Ultimately, Genesis 15:1 isn’t just a reassurance to Abram, but serves as a timeless message for us all: Humbling ourselves under the unyielding protection and promise of God’s mighty hand is the antidote to fear and the pathway to our greatest reward.
So that at the proper time He may exalt you…
Genesis 15:2-5
Genesis 15:2-6 offers profound insights into the nature of true faith, emphasizing the difference between merely believing in God and genuinely believing God. This pivotal distinction, subtly threaded through Abram’s dialogue with the Lord, resonates deeply with contemporary readers. It urges them to not just acknowledge God’s existence, but to trust wholeheartedly in His promises.
As the narrative unfolds, Abram expresses his anxieties about childlessness and the prospect of his servant Eliezer being his heir. This poignant admission reveals his human vulnerabilities, but also a burgeoning faith that seeks clarity.
God’s response, both immediate and definitive in verses 4 and 5, assures Abram that his descendant will be of his own flesh and blood. By directing Abram’s gaze to the vastness of the starry sky, God illustratively guarantees an offspring as numerous as the stars. The term “shall” emphasizes the unwavering nature of God’s promise.
The climax of this section is verse 6, where Abram’s deep trust in God is both portrayed by Abram and recognized by God. He “believed” God, a term stemming from the Hebrew “aman,” indicating a profound trust. This belief transcends a mere acknowledgment of God’s existence, which even demons can profess (Jas 2:19). Instead, Abram’s faith is rooted in the absolute trustworthiness of God’s words and promises. Paul illuminates this in Romans 4:9-25, explaining that true righteousness is imputed not to those who merely believe in God’s existence, but to those who have faith in His assurances.
Finally, it is important to note that Abram wasn’t merely recognized for believing God; he was exalted, or credited as righteous for believing God. It is this kind of faith that, in God’s perfect timing, leads to our own exaltation to wear the righteousness of Christ Himself.
Casting all your anxieties on Him…
Genesis 15:7-8
In verse 7, the LORD, reminiscent of His declarations in Exodus 20:1-3, reiterates His identity and the magnitude of His past acts: He is the very one who led Abram out of Ur of the Chaldeans. This isn’t merely a statement of past actions, but a powerful reminder of God’s consistent guidance and protection. The promise here is clear: God intends to give Abram the land he currently sojourns in.
However, verse 8 reflects Abram’s lingering uncertainty and yearning for confirmation: “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” This isn’t an expression of doubt in the traditional sense; rather, it’s Abram casting his anxieties onto God, seeking a tangible sign to bolster his faith.
Such a quest for signs isn’t unique to Abram. In Judges 6:11-23, 36-40, Gideon similarly seeks confirmation from God, asking for multiple signs before he takes on the Midianites. God, in His patience, grants Gideon these signs. Conversely, in Isaiah 7:10-14, King Ahab is offered a sign by the prophet Isaiah, although Ahab refused to ask for one. Yet, the context here contrasts with Abram and Gideon. Ahab’s wickedness and reluctance to ask for a sign stand in stark contrast to the genuine seekers of divine assurance.
Abram’s question, and God’s subsequent response, underscores a comforting truth: It is okay to seek assurance from God in moments of uncertainty. Our anxieties and need for confirmation don’t deter Him. Instead, as 1 Peter 5 suggests, He invites us to cast these anxieties onto Him, not as a brute command but, “because He cares for you.”
Because He cares for you…
Genesis 5:9-16
Abram is instructed to prepare a variety of animals and, upon doing so, he lays their divided halves opposite each other, excluding the birds. Notably, this was not some arbitrary act. In ancient times, this very arrangement set the stage for a binding covenant ceremony. As vultures descended on the carcasses, Abram’s determined efforts to ward them off symbolize humanity’s continued struggle to hold onto God’s promises amidst challenges and doubts.
The scene intensifies as a deep sleep envelops Abram and a profound darkness engulfs the atmosphere. In this dreamlike state, God communicates a series of prophecies detailing the trajectory of Abram’s descendants, ensuring that, despite challenges and enslavement, they would eventually possess great riches and inhabit vast lands. The theme, “know for certain,” underscores God’s commitment, resonating with the teachings in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and 1 John 1:1-4 about the surety of our faith and the tangible realities we believe in.
As darkness settles, the crux of this narrative unfolds. Typically, in such covenant ceremonies, both parties would walk between the animal halves, mutually committing to the covenant’s terms and essentially declaring, “If I break this pact, let me be torn asunder like these animals.” But here lies the profundity: only God, represented by the smoking fire pot and flaming torch, passes between the pieces. Abram does not. This unilateral act by God reveals that the covenant’s fulfillment lies squarely on His shoulders. By passing through alone, God was declaring that even if Abram faltered, the covenant would stand. This ceremony was not contingent on Abram’s performance but solely on God’s unwavering commitment.
God, in essence, was invoking a curse upon Himself, as illustrated in Jeremiah 34:18-19. This ultimate assurance was a testament to His unparalleled care for Abram and his descendants. The fact that God was willing to stake Himself on this covenant emphasizes His desire to assure Abram of His unyielding care and steadfastness. This depth of assurance finds its echo in the New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 6:13-20, where God’s promise and oath provide a double assurance, making His commitment an anchor for our souls.
In essence, this narrative isn’t just about lands or descendants; it’s about God’s profound care for us. It reminds us that God’s promises aren’t based on our perfection but His perfection. His covenant with Abram serves as an enduring testament to His words in 1 Peter 5:7, urging us to cast all our anxieties on Him, “because He cares for you.”
Fear not
As we reflect on this profound narrative in Genesis, it becomes clear that our contemporary struggles with faith and trust have roots stretching back millennia. Many of us resonate with Abram, standing on the precipice of promise, yet wrestling with uncertainty and fear. We can’t help but ask: Can I really trust God?
Deep down, one of our greatest fears is the apprehension that trusting God wholeheartedly might lead to disappointment. We often ponder, “What if God’s plans don’t align with mine? What if His best for me feels like settling? What if the worldly allurements I forsake in obedience are the very things that would have given me contentment?” Such thoughts breed hesitation, making us wary of committing fully to God’s path.
There’s an insidious lie that the world perpetuates: that an ordinary life, surrendered to God, is a wasted life, a life without luster. The lie is that a life lived in the mundane, in the day-to-day acts of faithfulness, can’t be extraordinary. This lie has caused many to hedge their bets, trying to serve both God and the world, and in the process, they dilute the potency of their faith.
For many, the extent of their faith journey is characterized by superficial metrics: Prayers that often prioritize personal comfort over spiritual depth. Faith that manifests merely as attendance at religious gatherings rather than a transformative relationship with Christ. Contributions to the kingdom that are driven more by convenience than by conviction. Seeking to avoid a wounded life we inherit a wasted one…until we remember God’s timeless words to Abram, words that resonate with clarity and comfort: “Fear not.” These same words, echoed by Christ to Peter and to countless others throughout Scripture, beckon us to a genuine, unwavering trust in a God whose promises are certain and whose resume is flawless.
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