With out a doubt Abraham was a great man of faith. He is one of histories greatest personalities. The Koran mentions Abraham no less than 188 times. James records: "He was a friend of God" We also see in Isaiah saying "Abraham, my friend." No other man is referred to in this way.
Abraham is the only one recorded in Scripture. Hebrews 11 has more written about Abraham than any other individual.
Hebrews 11:8-19 (NIV)
There are three highlights of his life that I would like to focus on.
* "By faith Abraham when he was called, Obeyed" Verse 8
* "By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise." Verse 9
* "By faith, Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac." Verse 17
Have you noticed that individuals of faith are obedient?
Abraham is a key figure in the Bible and especially the Old Testament. There is not an excessive amount of space used for Abraham. The Old Testament is emphatic in mentioning the life of Abraham. We know that he was from the UR of the Chaldees. It was a highly materialistic society. They were advanced in education and learning. Abraham left this advanced culture to follow the Lord to a place God would show him.
Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV) The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. {2} "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. {3} I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
The call was to leave his father, family and all that was familiar and secure. We don't have a lot of details about the call of God. It is enough for us to know that it simply required faith on the part of Abraham. It meant that he would surrender to the God who was calling. I don't pretend to know how Abraham knew it was Jehovah God speaking to him. The lesson for us is to be just as quick to obey when God calls you and me.
Each of us could imagine the scene and dialog between God and Abraham. There may have been some arguments as to why it was a bad idea. One thing we know for certain - ABRAHAM KNEW THAT GOD HAD SPOKEN AND HE OBEYED. Everything else is unimportant. The action and reaction to God speaking should be automatic. Why do we so often run the other way?
Not so with Abraham - "So Abraham went out as Jehovah had spoken unto him." He went out,
not knowing where he was headed. He started the journey to an unknown place without a clue of
the location. We may insist on taking a map or a "Global Positioning devise" If you don't know
where you are going, a map will do you no good. Except to know where you have been.
This phrase is full of meaning. HE DID NOT OWN LAND or buildings. He lived in tents! He
live in a perpetual "family camp." Tents are not made to be permanent housing. How long would
he live in tents?
While he was a nomad, he got into trouble while passing through Egypt. As we study his life, we see that he made several mistakes. Yet, he was obedient and followed God faithfully. That is encouraging to me. It is good to know that I don't have to be perfect! God knows us, and He knows we are not perfect! The main thing is that we are obeying God and following His leading.
Scripture tells us that he sought a city whose builder and maker was God. Abraham was not lured
by the material things he saw. He never returned to UR of the Chaldees. When we follow God we
must never turn back. Don't turn back spiritually, nor emotionally! Never regret your obedience
to God. Once you KNOW the call of God, NEVER look back or regret that decision!
Here is the acid test of our certainty of the call of God. When God has called us, we will willingly make any sacrifices God may require? Can you forget about how this story ends. Our knowing the end of the story clouds the fact that Abraham obeyed God!! The truth is ABRAHAM DID INDEED SACRIFICE ISAAC IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD!
Physically, Isaac was able to come down from the altar alive. Spiritually, Abraham obeyed God That is the end of the story - ABRAHAM OBEYED! What more can we say? True God did send the ram that got caught in the thicket. When we look at the end of the story, the act of faith loses some of it significance. Abraham express as much faith in God as if he had indeed put the knife into Isaac. Abraham had a firm faith in God A faith so certain that even his son was not held back!
Let me ask you: What are you holding back from God? You have to take that thing to the altar and put a knife to it. Lay in on the altar and sacrifice it before God. Nothing is worth coming between you and your God.
The call of God is serious. The call of God is not to be taken lightly. God did honor Abraham's faith and provided the sacrifice. Don't let the provision of God keep you from making a total surrender to God.
Nothing less that total sacrifice and obedience to God will do. This passage of Scripture is for our instruction and edification. Look at Abraham and learn about faith. Look at the story of Abraham and be encouraged that our God will provide all you need.
The Bible does tell us that "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Those used by
God are those who live by faith. Not holding back or keeping a reserve. Do want to be used of
God? Walk with Him in faith.