Abraham’s place in the “Who’s Who” in the Bible is altogether unique yet offers insights that are of great use to anyone’s faith journey. He stands out as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world. He’s chosen to be the father of a new spiritual race. Interestingly, he was flawed. In fact, there was nothing much about him that made him worthy of such a distinction but that he journeyed in faith. Although, if we were to be honest, we lack anything genuinely remarkable. However, like Abraham, we can embark on a faith journey with God marked by the extraordinary invading our ordinary lives.
For instance, look at Abraham’s calling from God in Genesis 12:1-9. We discover Abram, whose name will later be changed by God to Abraham, living his life like usual among his people. Then, God meets with Abraham and calls him to step out in faith. This faith journey will require Abraham to surrender three things (Gen 12:1). First, Abraham needed to leave his country (nation/city/citizenship). Scripture tells us that Abraham was a native of Ur, a city located in the region of Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia is credited with being the first known civilization in the world. Ur was a major port city and urban center located on the Persian Gulf. It was from this seaside city that God called Abraham. Having spent his life in a bustling city at the edge of the water, Abraham must have found a nomad’s life a big transition.
Secondly, Abraham needed to leave his family and his status in his clan. God’s invitation to Abraham challenged him to abandon the normal sources of personal identity and security: his family and country. To obey, Abraham must trust God implicitly; all human support is largely removed.
Finally, Abraham needed to leave his father’s house and the right of inheritance in the extended family of his father. Abraham may have been called from city life to remove him from temptations at home. Leaving behind his father’s house meant leaving behind everything that was familiar, including his religion of worshiping false idols. This new God, Yahweh, must have seemed very mysterious because he chose to communicate directly with Abraham. At the same time, the false idols of Abraham’s youth were understood to be distant gods who did not personally connect. This difference may have been one of the deciding factors in Abraham’s choice to follow God’s leading.
God’s call to Abraham was surely a test of his faith. We discover in Hebrews 11:8, “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.” Abraham shows us that faith leads to obedience. In fact, this faith that leads to obedience is what’s necessary for the promised outcomes.
As we continue exploring Genesis 12, we come across verses 2-3, which read, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Much could be said here. Although Abraham is called to be a blessing to others, much rests on how they treat him. Those favorable toward Abraham will experience God’s favor; those who despise Abraham will know God’s displeasure. Notice, “in Abraham, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” The inclusion of all the families of the earth anticipates the spread of the gospel and salvation in Christ to the ends of the earth.
While still in Mesopotamia, Abraham received God’s promise that he would become “a great nation” of numerous descendants. Earlier in Hebrews 11, verse 1, we discover the definition of faith, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” “Faith” is certain of “things hoped for,” God’s promised blessings will be fulfilled. It is also confident of “things not seen,” God’s power and faithfulness in life today. Here’s the point. Abraham shows us that we grasp God’s promised blessings by faith. As you read through the promised blessings of God to each of us believers in Scripture, we realize that they are ours in Christ, but they are not activated in our lives unless we receive them by faith.
Lastly, as we read Genesis 12:4-9, we discover that Abraham “went, as the Lord told him” (Gen 12:4). This brief report of Abraham’s response presents his obedience as immediate and unquestioning. We even discover that the Lord once again speaks to Abraham (Gen 12:7). Abraham responds by building an altar. This is the first of a number of manifestations of God to the patriarchs. These appearances are often associated with divine promises. This altar, that is erected by Abraham, is placed as a witness, a mark of remembrance, and place of worship to God for His presence and promise. Abraham shows us that our faith can be a witness to those yet to receive Christ and encouragement to those who have done so. Looking upon this altar must have brought questions that people of faith were ready to answer. Also, there is something powerful about hearing someone else’s faith journey for believers. When God’s people saw these altars, they would be reminded of God’s presence and promises.
Ultimately the “offspring” of Abraham narrows down to Christ (Gal 3:16), whose dominion extends not only over the land of Canaan but over the entire world (Matt 28:18). It’s important to remember that, in Christ, believers are the offspring of Abraham (Gal 3:7, 29). When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, not only can we embody these lessons we learn from Abraham but are grafted into the promise God shared with Abraham at the beginning of his faith journey. Soli Do Glory (Glory to God Alone)!