Genesis 22:15-18 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me.”

Abram became a friend of God not because he volunteered initially but because God called him into relationship. Abram in turn learned to walk with God by listening for his voice and obeying his instructions. (Genesis 12:1-5). This did not mean his life was easy or simple. He had challenges along the way – real life circumstances – such as having to engage in physical battle with neighboring kings to recover his nephew lot, his family and their possessions.

Then in what I consider to be one of Abram’s most vulnerable moments God spoke to him again. In my mind’s eye I see Abram in a quiet moment reflecting on his life and circumstances, realizing he had left his homeland behind dragging his family with him. He was in a strange land, years had passed and he still had no children despite the wonderful promises God had made to him. But suddenly, as if God was eavesdropping on his thoughts, he has a vision and God says: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield and your very great reward.”  (Genesis 15:1). In the conversation that ensued God gave Abram a very specific and detailed blueprint of how things will proceed even after his death. It is in this encounter that Abram recognized God’s sovereignty and believed everything he had been told. And Scripture records that “Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6). It became a covenant relationship.

The Lord appeared to him once again when he was 99 years old and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”  (Genesis 17: 1-2) God also renamed him “Abraham” to signify his new identity as the father of nations and seal the covenant as everlasting. The promised son Isaac was born a year later. This is the son Abraham was later willing to sacrifice when God required him to do so.  But obedience is better than sacrifice and God intervened to save Isaac’s life. The reward for obedience is blessings, but God himself, his presence throughout your life, is your exceeding great reward.