Genesis Lesson 39: Abraham’s Exceeding Great Reward {The first of God’s ”I AM” statements}

Genesis 15:1-21  Following his physical battle against Chedorlaomer (king of the four-king coalition) and his spiritual battle against the temptations of Bera (King of Sodom), Abraham was concerned the wicked invaders he humiliated by defeating them with his much smaller band of men might return in vengeance.  He was getting old and still had no child or land, as per God's promises (12:2-7).  Lot returned to live in Sodom (a great disappointment), and Abraham was drained, physically and emotionally.  He needed some divine assurance, and the Lord delivered!  He graciously answered every one of Abraham's concerns. In this powerful lesson, we discuss (1) A Mighty Shield (the first of God's great "I AM" statements), (2) A Multitudinous Seed, (3) A Monumental Statement (the doctrine of justification by faith is set forth for the first time), and (4) A Mysterious Ceremony (to seal the Abrahamic Covenant).