He's All We Need-from a message by Joe Arthur

"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." Genesis 15:1

This reward was after Abram had engaged in a conflict. After Abram had been faithful, God said "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward". This was said after he'd shown compassion to Lot. After he had poured his life into the life of another. When we invest our lives into the lives of others, God will be our shield and our reward. God said this to Abram after a choice he made. Abram was not for sale! He'd made a vow to the Most High God. Abram knew where his blessings came from, and he didn't want anything from the world. He lived separated. One reason many men don't receive the blessing of God is because they're too busy being compensated by the world, the flesh and the devil. When we don't let the devil pay us off, God always does! Our citizenship is in Heaven, therefore we owe this world nothing. He didn't have Sodom's gold, but he had Heaven's God! He didn't have Sodom's riches, but he had the Redeemer. He cared not for the King of Sodom because he was cared for by the King of Salem!

This reward was a blessing. "Fear not" is the blessing of peace. The devil can try to get you to doubt that you're doing the right thing, even when you know you're doing His will. But God speaks, "Fear not!". Step out by faith. There is peace in serving God. He didn't have Sodom's possessions, but he had Heaven's peace! "I am thy shield" is the blessing of protection. Real safety is being in the perfect will of God. "I am thy exceeding great reward" is a portion. I AM! What greater reward can God give you than Himself? He didn't have Sodom's portion, but he had Heaven's portion! When you have the great I AM, you have all that you need.

This reward was binding. Abram wasn't making a covenant with God; God was making a covenant with him. Salvation is not what we did with God, but it is a work of grace God did in us. God is too rich to be a debtor to anyone.

He is faithful.