INTERESTING FACTS : THE Bible's longest chapter is Psalm 119, which consists of 176 verses. The number "176" just happens to be 16x11. THE KJV was first published in the year 1611.[1]

DAILY READING : [GENESIS CHAPTER 13 - 15]

TEXT : Gen 15:1 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.

THEME : THE REWARD OF FAITH

Today, we continue to read about the life of Abraham, the "father of faith," as we are introduced also to his nephew Lot. As Abraham and Lot live and work together, they are blessed by the Lord considerably. They are blessed so much, that they can no longer dwell together because their possessions are too much to be in one place. With this in mind, Abraham gives Lot the choice of where to live and he chooses Sodom, because it is a thriving and prosperous metropolis. He chooses Sodom also because the land is fertile and plentifully watered. However, Lot chooses Sodom despite the fact the people who live there are described by God as "wicked and sinners exceedingly." Lot stands as an example of a righteous man [as we read in 2 Peter 2:7-8] who makes a poor choice only because the land "looked good," and indeed was good for his business. Lot should remind us that we must make choices that are based on what will not hinder our walk with Christ, or lead us to sin. Far too many Christians compromise the Gospel and their commitment to Christ, merely for financial gain and comfort, rather what is best for the mind and spirit.

In time, Sodom and Gomorrah find themselves at war with the surrounding nations, and during the conflict, Lot finds himself among the captives. Abraham comes to his rescue with his own servants - becoming allied with Sodom and Gomorrah - and delivers Lot from certain bondage or death. Yet, Abraham, as a man of pure faith in God, will not accept any reward for his efforts from the ungodly Sodomites. He proves himself to not only be a man of faith, but a man of integrity as well having God's reputation in mind, since he does not want it said the ungodly made him rich. Abraham understood how people, especially the ungodly, love to take the credit for the works of God.

Perhaps though, what is worse is when the people of God try to take credit for the acts of God. In the first chapter of the Gospel according to John, we read of John the Baptist, that he was "a man sent from God." Often, God raises up a hero of the faith who does exploits for God, and it is the Church or his denomination that are quick to take the credit for his "success." Our books, our schools, our Churches, our Sunday School, etc. made him what he is today. Such pride! Such arrogance! More than that, it is such ignorance. Only God can make for Himself a strong servant, who all along, knows it is the power of God alone that makes him strong! The same holds true for salvation. Many times, programs, plans, efforts, sermons, ministries, and various other man designed instruments are given praise for what God alone can do, namely - cause a man or woman to be born again. Abraham is the father of faith for many reasons, one of which is that he was not willing to let anyone say they made him rich. No, Abraham knew that privilege is God's alone.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: GOD HIMSELF IS OUR REWARD!

We must learn the truth that God Himself is the great blessing in life, and not merely what He gives us. What a pity that so many Christians do not enjoy their relationship with God! The first question in the Westminster Catechism [the catechism many young Americans grew up on during the days of the Puritans, or as we usually call them, the Pilgrims] is this. Question - "What is the chief end of man?" Answer - "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." What a sublime truth! The whole purpose of Man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him! How far so many American Christians are today from that truth! Many only accent what God gave them or will give them. Still others are disappointed with God that He has not given them enough. Then again, there are some who are angry with God, blaming Him for all their own mistakes and blunders.

We must be like Abraham, who had it revealed to him that God is the great reward of life. It is interesting that this revelation came to Abraham right after he refused to compromise his faith by taking the wealth gained in the victory of Sodom and Gomorrah. More than that, in chapter 14, there is the appearance of a man named Melchizedek. Unlike other Biblical patriarchs, he simply appears on the scene, is known as a priest of the Most High God, yet nothing else is mentioned of him - either before or after. This is why many Bible scholars believe this man to be an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ, who existed from eternity, without father or mother and without beginning or end. In any case, Abraham gives tithes and offerings to him, as we should give to Christ and His Church.

Let us prepare our hearts to have the faith of Abraham. He refused to compromise with the ungodly of this world, that he might be rewarded with the greatest gift of all - God Himself!