“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out my hand …” Exodus 3: 19-20 I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him,” God said to Moses. I rephrase this statement as follows: “I know that the devil will not leave you alone unless a mighty hand compels him.” That sounds totally true. Satan has to be compelled to leave you alone, to let you go. He will never willingly let you go. This goes to show the determination that Satan has when it comes to constraining the children of God; he wants to keep them in bondage forever. Christians, therefore, need to be more determined than the devil to free themselves from his shackles. Unfortunately, a number of Christians are too lukewarm or absent-minded to even think of getting their freedom; such Christians, therefore, remain under Satan’s bondage in various areas of their lives. The devil is determined to bind you forever. If the devil i...
“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.” Genesis 15:1
Let me put this matter into context.
Listen to this: “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1
And now note what Abram did in response to God’s instruction: “So Abram went, as the LORD had told him…” Genesis 12:4
The action that Abram took in response to God’s instruction is a great example of what walking with God really means. Quite an inspiration!
God instructed Abram, and Abram did exactly as God had instructed him.
Have you ever noted that some people are quite articulate at explaining the Scriptures? Have you also noted, and sadly so, that some, probably quite a number, of such people do not practise what they know and teach? It’s truly bewildering! They know the will of God, but they choose to follow their own will instead!
The Bible teaches us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers or preachers of it. The Bible actually tells us that we deceive ourselves for as long as we remain just hearers of the Word and not doers of it. Can somebody claim to have faith, or to be a disciple of Christ, when they do not put His Word into practice?
I am persuaded that nothing beats the knowledge of the Word of God that is coupled with obedience. I am also persuaded that knowledge without practice is of very limited value; it would actually be a deception! I am further persuaded that the devil is always powerless before a believer who puts into practice what the Word of God teaches.
“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.” Genesis 15:1
or
“After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Have no fear, Abram: I will keep you safe, and great will be your reward.’” [BBE translation]
I argue that these encouraging words are a result of how Abram responded to God’s voice. It started with Abram hearing the Word of God, in the form of the instruction given to him, followed by the action that Abram took consistent with the instruction.
So, God made a commitment to Abram that in difficult or challenging times, He was to be Abram’s shield or protector. God also promised Abram a very great reward.
A ‘great reward’ is excellent in itself, but a ‘very great reward’ that God promised Abram is beyond the human mind to comprehend. One Bible translation refers to it as an ‘exceeding great reward.’ It’s also available to you, but there is a price to pay. You need to ensure that under all circumstances your will gives way to the will of God.
Follow the will of God always; will you?
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