Comforter

By Venessa Holtzhausen

Verse 1: Some time later the word of YHWH came to Avram in a vision: ‘Don’t be afraid, Avram. I am your protector; you reward will be very great.’

The first verse of this chapter give us a hint that Abram was afraid. Afraid of what? This mighty man, can he be afraid? Abram’s life story that’s recorded in the chapters to follow, tells us that this man of God, encountered more than once the predicament of being afraid. The Scriptures
never ever wants to glorify men, but God. Thus, we can clearly see that all the great patriarchs are mentioned with faults and all. God is the only one that is above everything and sinless. The glory belongs only to God and not men. We should be careful to put people on a pedestal.

Back to our first verse. Abram came from war, victorious, but this great man was sorely afraid of the enemies he made by conquering them. Immediately God step in, and comforted Abram. In the New Testament we see this happening all the time. Christ will step in and comfort His disciples, saying:

Mat 8:26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became totally calm.

Mat 14:27 But immediately, Yeshua spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! I am. Don’t be afraid.”

God is our comforter and in Him we can be courageous. Not because of our own strength, but His!

Amen!