Gen. xv. 1 . After these things, the zvord of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.*
WE may here observe, I. The most eminent saints need encouragement — They are apt at times to feel discouragement, 1. From a review of past difficulties —
[Persons under the immediate pressure of their trials are often not aware of their greatness. God mercifully conceals it from them, lest their energies should be weakened. But
* This is only a slight sketch, given extemporaneously to a friend.
when they see, in their calmer moments, what difficulties they have had to encounter, they are amazed at themselves : I had almost said, They are amazed at God : and they tremble, lest there should be a recurrence of similar trials; apprehending nothing but a failure under them. This was the special case with Abram at this time.]
2. From a prospect of augmented trials —
[Trials in prospect are always formidable ; and the ima- gination often paints them in the deepest colours. A sense of weakness gives rise to fears ; and the most eminent saints are apt to be appalled.]
3. From an apprehension of disappointed hopes —
[Confidence in a time of ease is apt to fail when the hour of trial comes: e.g. Peter, on the waves; and Moses-a; and Joshua b. And you too, my brethren, who have hoped that sin should be entirely slain, are apt to be discouraged when you find it still working in you.]
II. The encouragement which God affords them — God affords them the richest encouragement:
1. He assures them of protection —
[He provides armour for his people : and that armour shall be effectual. But he himself is in the place of armour : and our enemies must break through him, to reach us. He is " a wall of fire," that devours the assailants. See how this is represented by St. Paul (Col. iii. 3): " Your life is hid with Christ in God." Who can fear, that has such a protection as this ? The weakest may laugh all his enemies to scorn.]
2. He gives himself to them, as their portion —
[Happiness too, as well as protection, will he afford them: happiness here; happiness hereafter. Conceive of all the glory of heaven — how rich a reward! But heaven is no- thing in comparison of the reward provided : it is the God of heaven that is our portion. See him in all his perfections, in all his glory, in all his blessedness : he is yours ; that is yours, for ever — your eternal portion, your indefeasible in- heritance. Say, fearful saint, whether here is not sufficient encouragement ?]
And now, is there here a timid saint?
[Come with me, and survey your enemies. Who are they? what are they? They are "crushed before the moth." And look at your Friend : survey him, his power, his goodness, his
a Exod. v. 22, 23. e Josh. vii. 7—9..