Remember Abraham
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Readings: Genesis 12.1-9 Romans 4.13-end John 8.51-end
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God." - James 2.2
November is a month of remembrance. All Saints (Nov 1) All Souls (Nov 2) and Remembrance Day (Nov 11) is observed in many Commonwealth countries. The Anglican Church observes "Remembrance Sunday" today thanking God for those who gave their lives that others would enjoy theirs and benefit from their experiences and sacrifices. We thank God for pioneers, explorers, inventors, and first-timers who have risked their lives to bring untold blessings to others.
As the world looks at John Glenn (aged 77) right now at this moment inside a spaceship breaking scientific frontiers for the second time, we revere in church,
Abraham for two things: he was a great pioneer and he became a great friend of God.The Pioneer
On "star track" Abraham, in response to God's call went to a city called Ur of the Chaldees who (as Archaeologists tell us) had mathematics tables to extract square and cube roots; had great temples and factories; financial reports and balance sheets. Ur was the Harvard of all the ancient universities. Abraham was the pioneer there to profess his faith in ONE God among the professors of many speculative studies. No one is able to "prove" God but in his life of trust and obedience, Abraham took God at His Word and proved "right" each time. This Faith is his contribution to the world. His pioneering spirit and service brought about a special friendship.
The Friend
Some pioneers have been impatient and unfaithful (just imagine scientists manipulating statistics to prove their theories right) but Abraham was rewarded for his "righteousness" with the promise that he should be a father of all nations, an eternal example to all. More than that, for his faithfulness he was called the Friend of God.
(James 2.23) . Friendship means service. It also means similarity in spirit. In Bangkok, I made some friends who responded: "same-same" each time I said: "I am your friend."We find God treating Abraham as such a wonderful Friend that He says: "Shall I hide from Abraham that I am about to do ?" (Genesis 18.17-18) God was not distant. Abraham proved that He is near all the time.
Our Lord Jesus Christ says much more: "No longer do I call you servants, ...... but I have called you friends." (John 15.15) We sing: "He talks with me and walks with me along life's narrow way" and "What a Friend we have in Jesus".
All through the story of Abraham, we see him talking with God as a man talks with his friend. I have friends who are called "Abraham" and "Ibrahim" among my Muslim pals and schoolmates. Muslims call "Ibrahim" simply "the Friend". I shall be leaving many friends in Penang next week and I hope you will remember me as one of your friends and as "God's Friend" during this extended stay after my mandatory retirement.
LUKE OOI