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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.”

In ancient times, it was common for conquering kings to exact a tribute from the people they conquered. For twelve years, kings from the east forced a tribute from the kings of Canaan, the promised land where Abram lived. Tributes were expensive and humiliating, so in the thirteenth year, they rebelled.

As you can imagine, the kings from the east were not happy. They wanted their tribute and came with their armies to get it. Again, they defeated the kings of Canaan. This time, they took hostages with them. One of those hostages was Abram’s nephew, Lot.

Abram took 318 of his soldiers and went after his nephew. Dividing his men, Abram attacked in the middle of the night, using darkness to confuse his enemies. The battle was an easy victory for Abram. He rescued Lot and returned home with the other hostages and the captured goods.

One king of Canaan offered all the goods as a reward to Abram. But Abram refused. God had promised to bless Abram, and Abram didn’t want any earthly king to say he was the one who made Abram rich.

After all this, the Lord came to Abram in a vision. God reminded Abram that he was his shield, the one who protected him in battle. Abram didn’t have to fear a revenge attack. God would protect him. God told Abram that he was his reward, not the goods and spoils of war. Abram didn’t make a mistake refusing that treasure. God was all the reward he needed.

We all have battles. It could be fear of the future. It could be pressure to compromise. It could be temptation to cling to things that look like rewards but don’t last. God’s message to Abram is his message to you. He is your shield. He is your reward. Don’t be afraid. The God of the universe calls himself your protector. You don’t have to chase earthly rewards when God offers himself to you. Through Jesus, God offers the ultimate rescue and reward—eternal life with him.

Lord, you are my shield and my reward. Help me to trust you more than my fears and to seek you above all else. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.