By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:7-10
Today we continue in our Wall of Faith chapter, Hebrews 11, with the patriarch Abraham. I realize that our devotions have gotten longer, and today will be no exception. I believe this series will encourage all of us as we learn more about some of our foundational Bible heroes, but sometimes giving background information might be a little bit longer read. Stay with me, girls:-)
Abraham was originally called Abram, meaning exalted father. However, the Lord changed his name to Abraham, meaning father of a multitude, as a symbol of the covenant He made with Abraham to give him many descendants. Abraham is also called a friend of God in James 2:23. His humble faith drove him to a life of dependence upon the Lord, and his testimony was such that he is given a place in our Hebrews 11 chapter. He lived amongst pagan, heathen people, so when the Lord told Abraham to leave his family, his friends, his home, I'm not sure how much hesitation there was. Surely there was some though because no matter how lost family members are, we still love them and find it difficult to separate ourselves from them. Yet, there is no indication he questioned God's sovereignty or God's motives.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Genesis 12:1-4
Abraham is the father of the Jewish race, and his walk with Jehovah God began with simple obedience. Though he was not a perfect man and had faults and struggles, Abraham had a testimony that he loved God with all of his heart. As a result, God has blessed the line of Abraham down through the years and continues to call them the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8).
There is absolutely no way we can cover all of Abraham's life in one daily devotion! But, to be called the friend of God...what an awesome example for us to follow!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 18
Acts 27
I admire Abraham. It must have taken a great walk with God to be able to respond to the call and venture where he had never seen. I want a faith like Abraham had.
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