Abraham's Move
INTRODUCTION
We are hopefully learning a lot about faith by closely studying Hebrews, Chapter Eleven. Faith is more than merely a mental agreement with a fact or truth. Faith, to be genuine faith, must be acted upon, lived out. In my last message I presented to you three examples of those who walked by faith – Abel, Enoch, and Noah.
Each of these individuals in Hebrews 11 gives us insight into the arena of faith and how various personalities were able to exercise their faith for the glory of God. These people are considered to be winners in God’s eyes, highly successful in the Kingdom of God, and wonderful examples to all Christians simply because of their faith. They were not necessarily more talented or smarter or stronger or more gifted than anyone else. They were no “better” than anyone else (that is, in themselves apart from God).
Through their stories we can better understand the different aspects or elements of faith. What sets them apart and causes them to shine brighter than the others stars is their unwavering faith in God. Abraham represents perhaps the clearest example of all.
ABRAHAM’S MOVE
Abraham actually provides us with two different specific examples of our response to God’s grace by faith, which is only right, I guess, since he is often called “The Father of our Faith.”
Abraham, as far as we know, was happy in his home in Harran (or Haran). But God had other plans for him. So this example of faith consists of a complete “life change.” God asks Abraham to pack up his entire family, his belongings, and his sustenance (livestock, tents, food, etc.) and move permanently to another land. God did not even inform him about any details regarding the destination as of yet. Abraham was simply supposed to follow God’s direction until arriving in the land of Canaan.
As we all know well, changing locations (moving) also signifies a change in everything else – relationships, jobs, routines, cultures, climate, and so on. It is a radical change. But God promised Abraham several blessings if he did move, including the creation of a great nation from his descendants.
INTRODUCTION
We are hopefully learning a lot about faith by closely studying Hebrews, Chapter Eleven. Faith is more than merely a mental agreement with a fact or truth. Faith, to be genuine faith, must be acted upon, lived out. In my last message I presented to you three examples of those who walked by faith – Abel, Enoch, and Noah.
Each of these individuals in Hebrews 11 gives us insight into the arena of faith and how various personalities were able to exercise their faith for the glory of God. These people are considered to be winners in God’s eyes, highly successful in the Kingdom of God, and wonderful examples to all Christians simply because of their faith. They were not necessarily more talented or smarter or stronger or more gifted than anyone else. They were no “better” than anyone else (that is, in themselves apart from God).
Through their stories we can better understand the different aspects or elements of faith. What sets them apart and causes them to shine brighter than the others stars is their unwavering faith in God. Abraham represents perhaps the clearest example of all.
ABRAHAM’S MOVE
Abraham actually provides us with two different specific examples of our response to God’s grace by faith, which is only right, I guess, since he is often called “The Father of our Faith.”
Abraham, as far as we know, was happy in his home in Harran (or Haran). But God had other plans for him. So this example of faith consists of a complete “life change.” God asks Abraham to pack up his entire family, his belongings, and his sustenance (livestock, tents, food, etc.) and move permanently to another land. God did not even inform him about any details regarding the destination as of yet. Abraham was simply supposed to follow God’s direction until arriving in the land of Canaan.
As we all know well, changing locations (moving) also signifies a change in everything else – relationships, jobs, routines, cultures, climate, and so on. It is a radical change. But God promised Abraham several blessings if he did move, including the creation of a great nation from his descendants.
