Home | What's New |
Mission Statement | Location|
Services | Calendar |
Lessons |
Committees | Activities |
Search | Links
Music, Search By: Hymnal / By Tune
/ Music Book |
Scott's Reference Library
Genesis 15:1-6
Sunday Between August 7 and 13 (Proper 13) C (First Reading) August 9, 1998
Genesis 15:1-6
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."
[2] But Abram said, "O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless
and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" [3] And Abram said,
"You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir."
[4] Then the word of the Lord came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son
coming from your own body will be your heir." [5] He took him outside and said,
"Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then
he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
[6] Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
(NIV)
Genesis 15:1 (God encourages Abram)
God assured Abram of safety and happiness; that he should for ever be safe. I am thy shield; or, I am a shield to thee, present with thee, actually caring for thee. The consideration that God himself is, and will be a shield to his people, to secure them from all evils, a shield ready to them, and a shield round about them, should silence all perplexing, tormenting fears.
Genesis 15:2-6 (The Divine promise, Abraham is justified by faith)
Though we must never complain of God, yet we have leave to complain to him; and to state all our grievances. It is ease to a burdened spirit, to open its case to a faithful and compassionate friend. Abram’s complaint is, that he had no child; that he was never likely to have any; that the want of a son was so great a trouble to him, that it took away all his comfort. If we suppose that Abram looked no further than outward comfort, this complaint was to be blamed. But if we suppose that Abram herein had reference to the promised Seed, his desire was very commendable. Till we have evidence of our interest in Christ, we should not rest satisfied; what will all avail me, if I go Christless? If we continue instant in prayer, yet pray with humble submission to the Divine will, we shall not seek in vain. God gave Abram an express promise of a son. Christians may believe in God with respect to the common concerns of this life; but the faith by which they are justified, always has respect to the person and work of Christ. Abram believed in God as promising Christ; they believe in him as having raised him from the dead, Romans 4:24. Through faith in his blood they obtain forgiveness of sins.
(Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)