Do Not Be Afraid, Abram

“Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your protector.”  Gen. 15-1

Who doesn’t want someone to protect them?  Protection against any number of things is desirable, wouldn’t you say?  There are a lot of things in the world to be frightened of and reading the story of Abram and Sarai, you will see Abram had some scaries in his life too.

Several things about Abram’s life could be frightening, such as moving from his home in Ur with his father and Sarai and his nephew Lot to Haran.  Then the LORD moves Abram and Sarai to Canaan.  The Bible tells us that Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran.  Brooks and I were moving when we were 60ish and I know how tough that was!  It took a lot more to move in Abram’s time than it did for us.  We felt we were too old, imagine how Abram must have felt!

When famine struck, Abram and Sarai travelled to Egypt.  He was so afraid of being killed by the Egyptians to get Sarai for themselves; he had her tell them she was his sister.  Pharaoh took Sarai into his household and things were going well for Abram because of his beautiful “sister”.  Then the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with a myriad of plagues, during which time Abram was summoned to the palace.  That sounds pretty scary doesn’t it?

Next, there is tension with Lot and the two men decide to separate and go their separate ways.  Later, Lot gets captured and Abram has to rescue him.  It seems there is always some drama with Abram and Sarai.  Things aren’t much different today, we all know people who like to keep the drama going. 

The whole scripture passage today begins like this, “After these events, the LORD’s word came to Abram in a vision.” (CEB)  I can imagine Abram praying and asking God for help, direction and wisdom.  Perhaps he asked for safety as well.  God answered by saying He was Abram’s protector. 

Who or what is your protector today?  Why not allow God to take over that role?

Will you whisper this prayer with me today?

Father,

I pray for Your protection as I begin this day. You are my hiding place, and under Your wings I can always find refuge. Protect me from trouble wherever I go, and keep evil far from me. No matter where I am, I will look to You as my Protector, the one who fights for me every day.

Amen