GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE PART 6: THE OBEDIENCE OF ABRAHAM GENESIS 12:1-8
In Genesis 12, we encounter the pivotal moment when Abram receives God's call to leave his homeland and embark on an unknown journey to a land that God would show him. This passage marks the beginning of a profound covenant, one that not only promises Abram a great nation but also promises blessings for the entire world through his descendants.
THE CALL TO OBEDIENCE
The Lord spoke to Abram, saying, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and your father's house, to the land which I will show you.” Abram was promised blessings, a great name, and a nation, as well as a legacy that would bring blessings to all the families of the earth. Remarkably, Abram obeyed without question. At 75 years old, he left behind his familiar life in Haran, taking only his wife, his nephew Lot, and the possessions they had gathered.
This act of obedience was not just a geographical relocation; it was an act of faith. Abram trusted in God’s promise, despite the uncertainty and the challenge of leaving behind everything he knew.
THE FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES
Abram's faith was the key to God's covenant with him. In Romans 4:1-3, Paul highlights that Abraham was justified by faith, not works. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” This is the foundation of saving faith—believing God’s promises, even when the circumstances seem impossible.
Just as Abram’s faith in God’s promise was counted to him as righteousness, so too is our faith in God’s promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. Abram did not earn righteousness by works; it was the result of his trust in God’s word. Likewise, we are justified by faith, not by the law, but by grace.
THE PROMISE OF THE COVENANT
The promise to Abram was not merely for him, but for all nations. Galatians 3:15-18 reminds us that the promise made to Abraham points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The covenant with Abraham establishes the foundation for the coming of the Savior, who would bless all nations. This promise transcends time and extends to us today, as we are grafted into Abraham’s family by faith in Jesus Christ.
THE SAME FAITH FOR US
Just as Abram was saved by faith, so are we. In Galatians 3:6-14, Paul explains that those who have faith in Christ are children of Abraham. "The righteous will live by faith," and those of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. This means that our salvation, like Abraham’s, is rooted in trust in God’s promises rather than in any works we can do.
It’s essential to ask ourselves: In what are we trusting for our salvation? Just as Abram believed God's promises and received righteousness, we too are called to believe in God's promises through Christ.
A LEGACY OF FAITH
As followers of Christ, we are considered children of Abraham. Galatians 3:29 declares, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” This means that, like Abraham, we are part of a spiritual lineage, bound together by faith in God’s promises.
The children’s song “Father Abraham” reminds us of this connection:
“Father Abraham had many sons,
Had many sons had Father Abraham,
I am one of them, and so are you,
So let’s just praise the Lord.”
This simple song captures the truth that through faith in Christ, we are Abraham’s spiritual descendants, heirs of God’s promise of eternal life.
Abram’s obedience to God's call was a model of faith. He didn’t know exactly where he was going, but he trusted God to lead him. Similarly, we are called to follow God’s leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain. God’s promise to Abram is also a promise to us—through faith, we are blessed and made part of a greater family.
Are you a descendant of Abraham?
When God calls you to go, will you go?
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