DISCOURSE: 23
ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FEARFUL
Genesis 15:1. After these things, the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. [Note: This is only a slight sketch, given extemporaneously to a friend.] WE may here observe,
I. The most eminent saints need encouragement—
They are apt at times to feel discouragement,
1. From a review of past difficulties—
[Persons under the immediate pressure of their trials are often not aware of their greatness. God mercifully conceals it from them, lest their energies should be weakened. But when they see, in their calmer moments, what difficulties they have had to encounter, they are amazed at themselves: I had almost said, They are amazed at God: and they tremble, lest there should be a recurrence of similar trials; apprehending nothing but a failure under them. This was the special case with Abram at this time.]
2. From a prospect of augmented trials—
[Trials in prospect are always formidable; and the imagination often paints them in the deepest colours. A sense of weakness gives rise to fears; and the most eminent saints are apt to be appalled.]
3. From an apprehension of disappointed hopes–
[Confidence in a time of ease is apt to fail when the hour of trial comes: e. g. Peter, on the waves; and Moses [Note: Exodus 5:22-23.]; and Joshua [Note: Joshua 7:7-9.]. And you too, my brethren, who have hoped that sin should be entirely slain, are apt to be discouraged when you find it still working in you.]
II.
The encouragement which God affords them—
God affords them the richest encouragement:
1. He assures them of protection—
[He provides armour for his people: and that armour shall be effectual. But he himself is in the place of armour: and our enemies must break through him, to reach us. He is “a wall of fire,” that devours the assailants. See how this is represented by St. Paul (Colossians 3:3): “Your life is hid with Christ in God.” Who can fear, that has such a protection as this? The weakest may laugh all his enemies to scorn.]
2. He gives himself to them, as their portion—
[Happiness too, as well as protection, will he afford them: happiness here; happiness hereafter. Conceive of all the glory of heaven—how rich a reward! But heaven is nothing in comparison of the reward provided: it is the God of heaven that is our portion. See him in all his perfections, in all his glory, in all his blessedness: he is yours; that is yours, for ever—your eternal portion, your indefeasible inheritance. Say, fearful saint, whether here is not sufficient encouragement?]
And now, is there here a timid saint?
[Come with me, and survey your enemies. Who are they? what are they? They are “crushed before the moth.” And look at your Friend: survey him, his power, his goodness, his fidelity. Have you now any cause for fear? Be strong: fear not. See 1 Timothy 4:10.]
To the careless unbeliever let me also speak—
[Tell me, Have not you cause to fear? Think of the danger to which you are exposed. And where will you find “a shield?” Think of the recompence that awaits you: how different from that of the believing soul! Exceeding bitter will be “thy reward” — — — O that I could awaken you to fear! The world and the devil say, “Fear not.” But I say, “Fear, and tremble.” Yet will I say, that Abram’s God may still be thine: he was once an idolater, as thou art: the sovereign grace that elected him, may fix on thee: the covenant made with him is open to thee; and all the blessings of it will be thine, if, like him, thou wilt be “strong in faith, giving glory to God.” The seed for whom he waited, is come: the blessings, to which he looked forward, are poured out upon all the families of the earth. Look to the Lord Jesus Christ, and they shall all be thine.]