#18: Shalom

Genesis 15:1

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.”

Comments

Abram lived in a dangerous world not unlike the lawless days of the American west. In this “every man for himself” world, it was necessary to form alliances for protection. God offered such an alliance to Abram in a remarkable covenant. Genesis 15:1 gives the initial elements of that covenant.

• Abram did not have to be afraid of God because he was loved and chosen by God. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is the typical prelude to God’s appearance; humans need frequent reassurance that God is not mad at them and coming to punish them.
• God promised to be Abram’s shield, protecting him from attack by whatever weapons his enemies might have. Because the shield is for defensive purposes only, God was not promising here to defeat Abram’s enemies, but simply to protect him from them.
• God promised to be Abram’s reward, providing for his every need. Here is the concept of “shalom” that includes prosperity and well-being among the many blessings of peace.

With God as his Protector and Provider, Abram would never have reason to fear no matter how dangerous his world might be.

Reflections

If God appeared to you today would “Do not be afraid” likely be the first words God would need to say?

Though our world is now filled with laws, armies and police to protect us, it is still easy to feel vulnerable. What do you perceive as the greatest threats to your safety and security? Do you find it possible to trust in God’s protection?

Do you see ways in which God provides for you or do you more often feel like you are on your own in this world?

Prayer

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who comes to us tenderly and powerfully as Provider and Protector.