Day 59: The Way Of The Warrior - The Warrior's Journey®
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Day 59: The Way Of The Warrior

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The Way Of The Warrior

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Gen. 15:1)

We’ve looked at this verse for several devotions, and there is still much to uncover, that pertains to you.  This verse is not only for the historic Abram, it has real life, and real truth for you and me. Here are some observations about this verse.

15:1 has several: ‘first-mentions’ in the Bible: ‘word,’ ‘vision,’ ‘shield,’ ‘reward’ are words never used before this. It is also the first mention in the Bible of the imperative to ‘fear not.’ It is the first time ‘very great’ appears in the Bible.  This is also the first of the ‘I am’s’ of Scripture.  Remember great claims by the Lord: I am the light of the world; I am the way the truth and the life; I am the door; etc begin with I am.  In fact, His name is “I am” – Exodus 3:14.

FIRST MENTION PRINCIPLE – the principle by which God indicates in the first mention of a subject, the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God.

Sir Isaac Newton: “I find in Scripture this principle of interpretation, which I believe, if conscientiously adopted, will serve as an unfailing guide to what was in the mind of God.  This is the keystone of the whole matter.  Newton, one of the greatest scientists of all time, a Christian, spent huge amounts of time examining the Scriptures, guided by this principle.

The Lord doesn’t berate Abram for being fearful, or for not trusting his promises.  Rather he expands Abram’s focus and lets him have a vision and promise.  The Lord will not let you languish in that ‘valley of the shadow of death’ Psalm 23:4. He’ll come charging to help you: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life… (Ps. 23:6). The Lord knows what you are experiencing and is willing to run to you, jump into your life, and help. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, (Matt. 20:28).  Do you understand this?

Yeah, but…. Why am I not experiencing prosperity, or peace, or joy? Why do I have financial and marital problems?  Why is my health so lousy?  Listen, the Lord doesn’t offer pain free living, but victory living. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33).  He’ll take you on a rocket ride, just hang on.  1 Samuel 2:30 the Lord declares: …for those who honor me I will honor…

Later the Lord speaks to Abram’s offspring, with the same assurance: Isaac: I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, (Gen. 26:4). Jacob: Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. (Gen. 46:3).  This is a familiar formula that the Lord uses to encourage a group or an individual, not to be intimidated by an enemy.  Again, this same promise comes to you. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Gal. 3:29).  Don’t trivialize this and say your not worthy of this promise, or that you must earn God’s favor.  That isn’t true!  Live like he means it!

Abram still is puzzled by the Lord’s plan, so he asks: But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” (Gen. 15:2).  God’s literal promise has not landed in Abram’s mind, he’s still doubting what the Lord clearly has stated about him having children.  Are you like Abram?

And Abram said, “Behold, thou hast given me no offspring…(15:3.) Abram is thinking past tense, but the Lord’s promise is for the future.

God assures and asserts that His plan is still intact, that Abram’s own son would be the plan to have a covenant people.  Again, the Lord is not impatient with those who do not understand his plan, he patiently explains the pertinent aspects of his program.  The Lord affirms that Abram’s son will be of his own body.  In addition, to assuring and asserting and affirming God adds that it will be adding not only a son, but future generations. The Lord is not a bully, if you don’t get it.  He does not get bent-out-of-shape because we are spiritually obtuse [a kind word for dense].

And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” (15:4).  The Lord clarifies for Abram.  Does this help?  Guess what, the Lord is going to do something that exceeds normal revelation, to make an impact on Abram belief.

And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (15:5).  Note the Lord takes the humble initiative and brings Abram outside.  He doesn’t command, demand, berate, but like a shepherd he led Abram (Psalm 23:1).  The Lord guides Abram, then he directs his vision: Look toward heaven… God directed vision enhances us.  Earlier the Lord did that with Abram: The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are… (Gen. 13:14).

Listen, for you today, the promises made about the blessing of the Lord are for you: This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. (Rom. 9:8).  You are children of the promise, thus blessings come to you because of God’s good pleasure, not your performance.  Yeah, he’s that good.  Get used to it.

The Lord is not irritated by your limited understanding of his clear principles.  He’ll guide you further, if you are genuinely interested in his plan for you.  Abram went to him with his concern, and the Lord patiently welcomed his approach.  He’ll do the same for you.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16).  What’s stopping you?  Fear, pride, doubt?  Get bold with the Lord, the verse says use: confidence.  Guess what, you might be wrong, just like Abram had some things mixed up, but the Lord didn’t get wigged-out.  He’s safe!

Abram received blessing, because he didn’t give up: And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Gen. 15:6).  The Lord keeps a tally – counting – toward your blessing!  He will not overlook one act of faith in your life.  He’s faithful.

By Nathan Werner

The Warrior’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe, but I’m not victorious.  Work in my heart in such a way, that when I have doubt, I will come confidently into your presence and get clarification.  And if there’s not a clear answer, give me the courage to keep from doubting and keep trusting you, no matter the circumstances.  Infuse me with confidence in you.  Give me courage to act with faith.  Let me yearn for the hope that you have told me will come.  Let hope be my standard, the fuel in my soul that keeps me: looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2) Don’t let circumstances defeat me, don’t let the present conditions form my doubt, rather let your truths embolden me to be a man of humble, unshakeable faith.

Lord, my ORW brothers and I want to lift our brother Aaron up to you, for his situation. He is being bombarded by challenging circumstances, that have hurt him deeply.  I pray that you give him peace, along with joy, and of course hope.  I pray you take his life and pour into him the assurance of your presence and your willingness to walk through the valley with him.  Give Aaron a sense that we as a brotherhood are praying, putting him in the strong arms of a loving Heavenly Father.  Please honor our prayers for Aaron: And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10).  We pray this in Jesus’ precious name.  Amen.


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