Bible Pathway - Jan. 5, 2013

Highlights:

The blessings increasing as Abram allows Lot to chose. Three covenant promises God makes to Abram — land, descendants, and blessing — are the foundation to bring salvation to all (Matt. 7:24,26; Luke 8:21; John 14:15).

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1).

God wanted Abram to know that He would protect him against all his enemies. It made no difference to God if His enemies were stronger or more numerous. Just as Christ promised to be Abram's shield. He promises to be the shield of His people against all their spiritual enemies, sin, Satan, and the world. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph. 6:16). Notice it is called the Shield of Faith!

Throughout these three chapters we see how the Lord takes care of Abram. When Abram gave Lot his choice of the land to the left or the right, Abram put his trust in the Lord to care for him wherever he settled. When Abram and his army pursued Chedorlaomer's army because of Lot, he put his trust in the Lord. Abram rescued Lot and all the women and other captives even though the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly (Gen. 13:13), and even though Lot had chosen to pitch his tents toward Sodom. By doing this, Abram showed compassion and left the judgment to the Lord. Judge not, that ye be not judged . . . . and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matt. 7:1-2).

The Lord told Abram that He (God) was his (Abram) exceeding great reward. Christians can hold onto this truth as well, in that God tells us to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt. 6:20-21). Our hearts should be focused on God. Even when we find it hard to do the right thing, we have God's promise that He will care for us. And with this promise, we can have faith that doing the right thing is always the right choice.

Jesus suffered and died that we might live. That we might freely receive all that our Creator has for us. The Lord gave Abram a promise many generations before us. He (God) brought him (Abram) forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be (Gen. 15:5). You can know that you are counted in that number as a child of God and of Abraham (Abram).

God's word stands true and never falters. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away (Matt 24:35).

Thought for Today:

Do we express God's worth by giving our tithes?

Christ Portrayed:

By the high priest, Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 4:15-16; 5:5-10; 7:1-4). Today Christ is our High Priest who is interceding in prayer for us and who alone is deserving of our gifts and service to Him.

Word Studies:

13:6 bear, support; 13:12 toward, near; 14:11 victuals, provisions, food; 14:13 confederate, allies; 14:17 dale, valley; 15:4 shall come forth out of thine own bowels, is your own flesh and blood.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. E. Schatz Jr. • Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) and Rep. Mark S. Critz (PA) • Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa • Major languages: French and Bambara • Religious freedom despite Muslim majority • 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers to harvest for Him (Matt. 9:38).

Optional Reading: Matthew 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 4:4