Originally posted on April 6th 2020
I want to look at the life of Abraham, in the next 4 posts. What can we learn from this man of faith, who in the New Testament is called “the father of all who believe”? Rom. 4,11
The first lesson is from Genesis 12,1
12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
In the letter to the Hebrews chapter 11 we read:
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Heb. 11:8
Abraham was a nomad – he and his family lived in tents. God said to him, I want you to move on – to the place that I will show you. The Bible says that he obeyed, without knowing where he was going.
What it was about Abraham’s situation that God wanted him to leave behind, we are not told. Was it his Father’s influence? Was it his father’s gods?
For Abraham it was the beginning of a life of trust in the Invisible One; the Lord of Hosts!
Abraham was certainly a man with faults, as anyone knows who has read about his life. But what characterised him was his faith and his obedience. God counted it to him as righteousness (Gen. 15,6 ). Abraham is called the friend of God in the New Testament (James 2,23).
It is Christ who is our righteousness, as we trust in him and in Christ we are also the friends of God.
I believe that it is the principles of faith and obedience which we can learn from Abraham.
There will be times in our lives when God will ask us to make changes – perhaps leave something behind which is holding us back. Perhaps even a relationship – as seems to have been the case with Abraham.
He will not be asking us to break our promises or commitments to others, or to run away from responsibilities.
But he will be asking us to grow in Christ.
To leave behind a bad temper, or an impatient heart. Teach us rather to show loving kindness to others.
To re-organise our priorities: What is most important in our lives will change over time. If he is to be our Lord, some things are going to be continually left behind; and new things embraced as we step out in faith.
The life of faith is a life of adventure, which Abraham certainly experienced. Great things happened, as he obeyed God – when you see his life in perspective.
When we are obedient to God our lives also will bear rich fruit!