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"The reward of worship is God." - Pastor William McDowell
In Genesis 14, Abram has just rescued his nephew Lot, who's gotten himself entangled in a war between two groups of kings. Lot, his family and possessions were seized. Abraham goes in with 318 men, routs Lot's captors and recovers his family and goods. Afterwards, Abram has an encounter with Melchizedek, the king of Salem (which means peace). The bible says that he was a priest of the Most High - scholars believe a type of Christ:
19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram
by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
20And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand."
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
The king of Sodom, one of the kings on Lot's side, offered Abram the opportunity to keep all the goods he had recovered in the battle (vs. 21) Abram refused. "I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich.' 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies - Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre." In these two acts: his offering of the tithe, and his refusal to allow anyone to receive glory for His victories or riches but God; Abram established his character as a true worshiper of Jehovah.
After these events, the Word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."
(Gen. 15:1)
A shield is a person or thing that provides protection from danger, risk,
or unpleasant experiences. A shield prevents you from being seen or detected. It can prohibit or reduce the escape of sound, light, radiation, etc. A shield separates or divides you away from what is harmful. After an extreme battle, God affirmed that He was the one keeping Abram safe and secure. He said I AM also your exceedingly great REWARD. A REWARD is a gift given in recognition of one's service, effort or achievement. It is fair return for good behavior that connotes being regarded or heeded. It's as if God says to Abram, "I see your worship, who you are becoming and what you're choosing. Your reward won't come through Me...IT IS ME...and there is no greater reward." We would do well to adopt Abram's posture before God. In life and ministry we too often seek money, fame, accolades, opportunities, notoriety and the praise of men, but HE is the reward of worship.
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