The Call of Abram
Think of how difficult it must have been for Abraham. Con
fronted by a God whom he didn't know, he was ordered to go to a place he had never seen and was made a promise which sounded impossible.
God gave Abraham a promise. God promised Abraham land and family which constituted a promise of prosperity for Abraham and his family. It was a promise of a future for Abraham. It was a promise of hope.
What are we to make of Abraham's journey across a wild and primitive countryside? What are we to do with the vision Abraham received from God, projecting his fortune into the indefinite future? In what way is Abraham's story our story? What does Abraham's story teach about our relationship with this wonderful God?
As I reflect upon these questions, the following statement comes to mind: God calls ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things.
Abraham was an ordinary person, no different than you or me. Just as God called Abraham, so he calls you and me. Abraham had to cross a desert; we might just have to walk across the road to have conversation with a neighbour. Consider that for many months, we lived indoors, next to people who also were living indoors, but we never got to know who they were. While we think that we could never go like Abraham to a new country, will you consider that God might be calling you to reach out a hand of friendship to the person living next door?
| The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation, |
Peter Langerman is husband to Sally, father to Jaimee (and father-in-law to Tim), Natasha, Emma and Gabby. He loves to walk, cook, read, shout at the TV when the Boks are playing and serves the saints at Durbanville. (Peter is also the Moderator of our General Assembly)
