Abraham (The Pioneer of faith)
The man of God chose to be founding father of many nations through which He would bless the whole world, could be no ordinary man. He who was to be known as father of the faithful. The supreme exemplar of unquestioning faith in God must be subjected to uncommon disciplines. If the tests imposed upon Abraham in the course of his spiritual training seem harsh or severe, the tremendous issues at stake and the happy outcome are their justification. God stalked His whole plan of redemption on the possibility of a man being willing by his faith and obedience to become a bridge head for the deliverance of an erring world. So important a role does he occupy in God’s world- purpose, that his life and its lessons occupy third place in the New Testament, his name occurring no fewer than seventy four times.
By faith Abraham obeyed and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Abraham’s spiritual development proceeded in stages. His life deepened and broadened only gradually. Obedience to God’s call was the expression of his faith in God. So sure was he of the integrity and trust worthiness of the God who had called him that he responded without hesitation on argument. So commended his unrivalled walk of faith. This absoluteness of his faith was staggering: He went out, not knowing whether he went. Faith never knows where it is being led or it would be faith. True faith is content to travel under sealed orders.
For Abraham, obedience to God’s command was no easy thing. He was no longer young, probably over seventy years of age. God’s call to life of faith does not come only to the young ties of home and kindred are much more easily severed in the adventurousness of youth than in the maturity of middle age when ease and security are so attractive. But without this initial step of obedience on Abraham’s part, God’s purposed blessing to the world would have been short circuited.
His initial step of obedience lengthened out into a walk of faith and blessing. It is not always remembered that God’s promises guidance only for the next necessary step which will require perhaps greater faith. It remains for us to boldly venture on God and leave the results to Him. It could be a wholesome spiritual challenge to recall when last we took a risk and really ventured on God in faith and obedience.
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