By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews11:8-10
Having faith is a mysterious journey!
Our destination is sure, but the stopovers are unclear.
The Hebrews Hall of Faith Fame spends a lot of time commending Abraham. There are three main points of commendation: (Our text reflects one of three points, the passages reflecting the other two points are at the bottom of this dev.)
1. Abraham was called to pack up everything and head into the unknown. Abraham lived a nomad's life because he was certain of his destination in God.
2. Abraham trusted that God would make him into a nation even though Sarah was barren and Abraham was too old to be a dad.
3. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed, believing that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order for the promise to be fulfilled.
In each case the rationale of Abraham's faith is clear: Although the _way_ is uncertain, the _destination_ is certain and sure.
Sometimes we spend too much time trying to figure out the route and the stopovers. Like Abraham we need to be more focussed on the destination: A God who loves us so much that He has given us His Son.
Romans 8:32 says: "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Abraham had this clear!
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HEB 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
HEB 11:17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
