I Am Your Reward
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is both our protector and the ultimate source of fulfillment in our lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's promise to Abram, 'I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward,' reveals the profound truth that God is both our protector and the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest needs. Despite the fears and challenges Abram faced, God reassured him that He would defend him and that true satisfaction comes not from earthly blessings but from a relationship with Him. Wilkerson highlights that even when we achieve our desires, like Abram's son, it is God alone who can satisfy our inner longings and restlessness. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to recognize that He is the source of true joy and fulfillment.
Text
"After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram" (Genesis 15:1). This verse means, "After Abram looked around fearfully at the enemies surrounding him, after he felt dejected that he hadn't made any progress, the Word of the Lord came to him."
The first thing God told Abram was, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (same verse). In this single verse, God has given us the secret to the greatest blessing any believer could ever have. The meaning for shield here in Hebrew is "protector, defender." This verse means, "I will fight for you and I will be your champion."
The Lord is telling Abram, "Go ahead and look at all those armies surrounding you. Nobody can touch you because I am your protector. Entrust your life and future into My hands."
This same verse tells us the Lord is much more than a shield to us, though. He is also our exceeding great reward. God says to Abram, "You will have your son, and he will be a joy to you -- but I will be the One who fulfills your deepest needs."
God knows all about human nature. He knew that Abraham would have a great measure of joy when he got his son. Abraham could then say, "God did it! He promised this to me, and He kept His Word." Yet God also knew that Abraham would not be totally fulfilled when the child came. He would still have an inner hunger, a restlessness, an inexplicable need that no human could touch.
Isn't this what happens to us when we finally get the thing we have wanted so badly? All along we think, "If only I can get this one thing, I'll be happy. It will make my life wonderful and end all my problems." No, it won't! Only the Lord Himself can fully satisfy our deepest need.
Our High Priest says, "The secret of My blessing is that I am what you are looking for. I am your reward -- your answer -- your blessing."
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to God's promise to Abram
- Understanding fear and dejection
- The significance of God's word
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II
- God as our protector
- The meaning of 'shield' in Hebrew
- Entrusting our lives to God
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III
- God as our exceeding great reward
- The promise of joy through fulfillment
- Recognizing deeper needs beyond earthly blessings
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IV
- The nature of human fulfillment
- The illusion of happiness through possessions
- Finding true satisfaction in God
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V
- The role of our High Priest
- God as the ultimate answer to our needs
- Embracing God as our blessing
Key Quotes
“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” — David Wilkerson
“Only the Lord Himself can fully satisfy our deepest need.” — David Wilkerson
“I am what you are looking for. I am your reward -- your answer -- your blessing.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's protection during difficult times.
- Seek fulfillment in God rather than in material possessions.
- Recognize that true joy comes from a relationship with God.