By Faith, Abraham Obeyed
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)
The author highlights another figure in the “Hall of Faith,” Abraham. Going by Abram at the time, he was told by God to move, being promised to become a great nation. We can see this in Genesis 12:1-3,
The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Immediately, Abraham trusted God and left his homeland and moved according to God’s leading. He did not immediately receive the promised inheritance and had no idea where the final “Promised Land,” would be, yet he still stepped out in faith. Then, in verses 9 and 10, the author shares three insights about Abraham’s faith. First, this faith was passed down in his children and grandchildren, Isaac and Jacob, who became “coheirs of the same promise.” Second, although he lived a nomadic lifestyle, which involved some less than desirable interactions (such as the Pharaoh in Egypt [Genesis 12:10-20]), Abraham’s faith had resolve. Finally, Abraham’s faith in the “Promised Land,” was not necessarily a physical place, but spiritual, “the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Abraham, having complete faith in God, stepped out of his comfort zone, leaving the land he grew up in and had established roots in order to traverse an unknown number of miles for an unknown amount of time, trusting that God will fulfill His promises. This resolve and life of faithfulness had a lasting effect, inspiring his son Isaac and grandson Jacob to also trust in God’s promises. May we live with such boldness in our faith in God, trusting in Him, that when He calls us to do something, we act immediately in obedience. Not only that, but may we also strive to live faithful lives that will leave an example for future generations to follow and put their trust in God as well.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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