At the beginning of Genesis 15, the Father comes to Abram in a vision. Abram has just gone and defeated an entire set of kings, rescuing his nephew Lot. The King of Sodom wants to split the spoil, him taking the people and Abram the possessions. Yet Abram says he will take nothing but what they had already eaten. He wants the men who came with him to take their share, but he refuses any for himself. After this takes place, the Father, in a vision to Abram, tells him to not be afraid...that He is his shield and his very great reward.
So here is Abram, turning down worldly riches so that it is clear man did not give him his riches, and God responds...Abram's reward will still be great!
This story reminds me of Jesus's teaching in Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I think sometimes as we grow in knowledge of the Word, we view some of these stories through the lens of knowing the ending. But rest assured, there was a man named Abram who was walking the earth just like us...trying to follow this great God as best as he could but not really seeing where it all led. Did God tell him not to be afraid because he was? Did He comfort him because he had just turned down livelihood to honor Him above all? We do not know, but this story doesn't end here, and ultimately it becomes our own blessing!
To know the one true God is the greatest blessing. His presence changes EVERYTHING. So let us spend our lives seeking His presence, in the treasure of His Word we are so blessed to hold within our hands, and in obedience to what He speaks so we can draw nearer and nearer. Whatever this world offers, I promise He offers greater.
Keep seeking...
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