Genesis 15:1 states “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.” It is noteworthy to recognize that after the words of assurance to “fear not”, God assures Abram of his protection stating that he is his shield, on one hand, giving the reason for his words of assurance, while on the other, expressing God’s personal protection. God is saying here, that he is ‘the shield’ meaning that he is the defender. In other words, God is saying that if anyone plans to defeat Abram, they would need to go through him first.
A shield is primarily a defensive weapon, absorbing and deflecting the blows of the enemy, while secondarily functioning as a offensive weapon in a limited fashion, pushing the attacker backward. However, a shield that is not lifted up in front of the person who needs protection affords no protection whatsoever.
Points to ponder:
Often times, we seem to find ourselves defending our position and place instead of relying on God and being still, knowing that he is God (Psalm 46:10) – our shield, our defender. We are counseled to take up the shield (of faith) but here we also learn that we need to take up (raise up) Jesus Christ – THE Shield (whose name is Faithful – Revelation 19:11) by whom, we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Is God, your shield? Is Jesus raised up to be your defender for when he is, if anyone plans to defeat you (in any sphere of life), they would need to go through him first … and guess what, no one will be able to. Is Jesus, your shield?
Genesis 15:1 (KJV)
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.
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