Text: Hebrews 11:8-16; Genesis 12
As we continue on our faith journey, we will look at Abraham today and his calling to leave his home. There is a lot not in the Bible concerning his upbringing. One has to look into apocryphal books to gain any insight into Abraham’s past. Know that these books do contain some errors and inconsistencies so they are an interesting read. Either way, we know that God called Abram to leave his homeland and the Bible says on the very next verse that Abram left. We are not told any arguments or even and time to think about the calling. Abram just obeys, takes his family, and leaves to a place that God would reveal as Abraham journeys.
A big take away from the lessons that Abram teaches us is that faith involves obedience and is passed down through generations. God reveals himself as Abram journeys, faith is loved out, and God speaks through Abram even through today and beyond. Faith is meant to be lived out loud for all to see. It is very personal and takes self discipline but is lived in front of those around you.
In the Hebrews passage, Sarah is linked to the Abraham of course. Again, faith is contagious. It goes on to tell us that they understood there is a country not of this world and worth living for. They died in faith but never saw the promise being realized. This is a huge testament to the goodness and faithfulness of God. The key is they confessed or understood they were strangers in this land. The Bible teaches us that we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth. Our home, as children of God, is not here in the physical world. This life at best is between 70 and 100 years. That is nothing compared to eternity in the presence of God in our home prepared by the Lord.
Abram’s faith is passed on to Isaac as well. Isaac was going to be offered to God on a sacrificial altar. The faith of God lead Abram to offer Isaac and Isaac was willing to see the miracle of God. In the midst of faith, God’s promise was held on too and faith provided a way. God stopped Abram and provided a ram caught in the bushes. God always comes through and His plan is perfect. May we live by faith and see the Almighty’s provision.