Daily Devotional – Wednesday, October 7, 2026
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘”Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.“
Genesis 15:1 (NKJV)
After Abram rescued Lot and defeated the kings who had taken him captive, he returned from a remarkable victory. Yet victory did not eliminate future risks. Powerful enemies could regroup, and Abram had no guarantee of easier battles in the future. Remarkably, he had also refused the material rewards the king of Sodom had offered. Abram had chosen not to make another man’s possessions his gain.
When the Gift Is Not the Point
God then told Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Abram had just faced danger, so God presented Himself as his shield. He had also walked away from material gain, so God spoke of a different but greater reward. God identified Himself as the reward. He was teaching Abram that his greatest gain was not something he could possess but Someone he could know.
The expression “your exceedingly great reward” is significant. The Hebrew word for reward can refer to wages, recompense, or what someone receives as gain. In this context, the reward is God Himself: “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Abraham had given up worldly gain and received the reward that was God Himself. Abram could lose possessions and still be rich if he possessed God.
What If God Is the Reward?
It is possible to value God mainly for what He can provide: a job, money, healing, protection, success, opportunities, or answered prayer. These requests are not evil, but when the gift becomes more important than the Giver, danger follows. Today’s key text should remind us to understand how blessings work. God’s gifts are truly good, and we should receive them gratefully. Yet they are never greater than God Himself. The greatest reward is not something God gives but God Himself.
Take a moment and examine what you want from God. Perhaps you are waiting for a financial breakthrough, an answer to prayer, or a change in your circumstances. Keep asking Him, and ask Him to make Himself your reward. If the answer takes longer than expected, do not conclude that you have received nothing. You still have God. Let Him become more precious than the things you hope He will provide. He is your exceedingly great reward.
Prayer
Almighty God, teach me to value You above Your gifts. Help me pursue Your blessings without allowing them to become more important than You.
