Background: (NET) Abram has just rejected all the spoils of war, and the LORD promises to reward him in great abundance. In walking by faith and living with integrity he cannot lose.
Repeated phrase:
(1) "...will reward you in great abundance" v.1, "a son will comes from your own body..." v.4, "count the stars...so will your descendants" v.5.
The common theme is that God will reward Abram abundantly. When Abram first heard about that promise he was not too excited about that.
15:2 But Abram said, “O sovereign LORD, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?”
He felt that the abundance was meaningless and even blamed God for the reason of childless.
v.3 Abram added, “Since you have not given me a descendant, then look, one born in my house will be my heir!”
The reward was indeed abundant because Abram would have a son of his own miraculously and his descendants would be numerous.
Reflection: Sometimes I put God in a box and have not realized that He is so wonderful to us. God gave us peace that surpasses all understand when we pray.
4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(2) O Sovereign LORD (Master, LORD) v.2, 8
In both appearance, Abram questioned God. In v.2, Abram questioned God how can God gave him abundantly since he was childless.
15:8 But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, by what can I know that I am to possess it?”
Then God cut the covenant with Abram formally that He would gave the land to him and his descendants.
On one hand, Abram called God his Master LORD, on the other hand he questioned God. Note, in both time God answered him and resolved his doubt.
Reflection:God met us where we are. He is mercy and kind to man. He knows our weakness and gave us peace. When we have doubt we can bring it in front of Him and He will listen to our prayers.
Audrey
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