Be a Treasure Seeker! – August 8, 2022

Read: Genesis 15:1-6

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

Be a Treasure Seeker!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Abram was a very rich man. In those days, having many sheep, donkeys, cattle, camels, manservants, and maidservants made a person very rich. God blessed Abram in this way. Yet, even with all these blessings, Abram was missing something. He and his wife Sarah had no children.

This was very difficult for Abram and Sarah. Not only did they desire to have the blessing of children, but God also promised that he would give Abram many descendants. The older Abram and Sarah got, the harder it was for them to believe that God would give them even one child, let alone many descendants.

So, God went to Abram and reminded him of his presence. He said, “I am your shield, Abram.” Just like a shield protects a warrior, so God would protect Abraham from his doubts as he carried out his good plans for him. God also said, “Abram, I am your very great reward.” God assured Abram that he was his greatest treasure, worth more than earthly wealth, possessions, or even a precious child. His worth came from God alone.

We need these reminders too. Just like Abram and Sarah, we may think God has forgotten his promises to us or he has forgotten us altogether. When our desires aren’t met, we doubt God’s promises and think that God doesn’t care for us. When that happens, remember what God told Abraham, “I am your shield and great reward.” We don’t have to worry or be afraid. The God who gave his own Son to save you from sin always knows just what you need and when you need it. He will bless you as he sees fit, not for earthly gain, but for your eternal benefit.

In God’s mercy and love, he gave Abram many earthly blessings and the promise to make him a great nation. By faith, Abram believed that he was right with God. That’s what really mattered for him. That’s what really matters for you. No matter how many earthly blessings Abram had, his first and most important treasure was always God himself. God alone is your number one treasure too. May he always help us believe that and live it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, we know your promises are true. By your Holy Spirit, our faith grasps the truth. Forgive us for the times that we doubt. Cause our faith to grow as we regularly come to your Word. Thank you for being our most important treasure. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What two promises did God give Abram and Sarah?
• Why can we trust God to provide for us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• God promised Abram and Sarah a son and that they would have many descendants. Explain how God would bless the whole world through those two promises.
• In what ways is God your very great reward?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Read Genesis 15:6. Discuss what “credited to him as righteousness” means.
• At times we have to wait on God as he works in our lives, just like Abram and Sarah waited for God to fulfill his promise. What temptations exist for us as we wait for God’s answer to prayer? How can we avoid falling into these sins?