4. Old Testament Walkers and Talkers

iv. Abraham

Abraham

Thinking

God spoke to Abraham on many occasions. The hallmark of these conversations was absolute faith on the part of Abraham. Sometimes the Scripture says, "God said", but at least on the occasions recorded in the Scriptures in Genesis chapters 12 through 22, we read, "God appeared to Abraham".

Abraham was human and had a few famous slips, but his underlying faith prevailed. Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness (Genesis 15: 6, Romans 4: 3). But Abraham did more than hear God's word. He acted on it. He left his father's lands (Genesis 12), and possessed the land that had been promised to him (Genesis 13: 14-18). He trusted in God that a son and heir would be born although he got this wrong for a while with Hagar and son Ishmael (Genesis 16). He received the covenant that established the children of Israel as God's people (Genesis 17). He knew God well enough to be briefed about the forthcoming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and he entered into discussion - pleading for the cities (Genesis 18). Because of his life style, men knew and were able to say, "God is with you in all that you do" (Genesis 21: 22). So we can paraphrase this as "Abraham walked and talked with God".

Then comes the famous story of the testing of Abraham when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, and at the last minute rescued him when the angel called out to him from heaven (Genesis 22). Abraham's hearing of the voice was immediate; the voice was apparently audible. It was more than the gentle rearrangement of thoughts in his mind, and was strong enough to halt the plunge of his knife. On the very uncommon occasions that God speaks in this way, it seems to be associated with and to produce great depths of faith.

Curiously, we don't hear again about specific words that God spoke to Abraham. He lived out his faith on into old age, took another wife after the death of Sarah, and had six more sons, finally dying at the age of 175 years.

Praying

Lord, I invite you to lead my thoughts as I reflect on this great man of God.

Thinking

I come back to the line I wrote above. "Abraham was human and had a few famous slips, but his underlying faith prevailed." The first part could have been written about me. "Human with a few famous slips." In my case, a lot!

Listening

My son, I want you to think through the reasons as to why Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness. List them; don't discuss them in detail. Then, apply the reasons to yourself.

Praying

Lord, I have to confess that I've had a peek at Hebrews 11.

Thinking

a.. By faith Abraham obeyed God without question setting out from his homeland, and following his leading without knowing where he would take him. Genesis 12: 4 is quite special. He had heard God's word - "So Abram went."

b.. I think this means that he recognised God as the "absolute" and did not question things he said. "And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15: 6).

c.. The absolute trust in God on the part of Abraham led to him to being blessed with a son, and the sense of purpose. In Abraham's case this meant being a founding party to the establishment of covenant (Genesis 17: 1-22).

d.. Faith flowed over into his life in the form of integrity. Perhaps this is a modern word for righteousness.

e.. Abraham frequently had to stand out as a lone pillar of faith in a foreign land, yet he held firm to God.

Praying

Lord, I need to bow before you in awe and humility. In my case, I too have left homeland, although I didn't sense your call at the time. In hindsight, I see your tender care and guidance over many years. I thank you that this is a common experience among my brothers and sisters in Christ as they reflect in mature years. Perhaps Abraham was different and of course he lived in a different time and culture. I thank you for the example of Abraham thousands of years ago, and for the witness of my friends today as they too have followed you.

And Lord, I worship you as the absolute. I also need to confess to you the times that I have questioned your word. Perhaps sometimes, it has been to ask, "Is this really the word of God to me?" For me it has often taken some time to accept your word fully. I thank you for the example of Abraham who appears to have had little hesitation.

Abraham was given a sense of purpose. Lord, I know that the concept is difficult for some people, but I believe that you have a purpose for each one of us - both here and in eternity. For me, it is such a holy thing to write this book, that I sense it to be part of your purpose for me. This is not something to boast about, Lord. I must not be casual, but continue humbly, and in awe of you. More important, I recognise that around me are many people each working out in their lives the various purposes you have for them. So I thank you now for each one of them, and for their ministry and service to you.

Abraham exhibited integrity. You and I have talked about this before, Lord (in Difficult Management Decisions: Business Praise No 17). Lord, I ask you again today to strengthen me as I try to work out in my day-to-day life this quality of integrity - and do it in your name.

Lord, I want to thank you today that I am surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses, some of whom I know as my brothers and sisters in my local church family. It follows that it is uncommon or rare for me to need to stand as a lone pillar as Abraham did. So I thank you for his example of faith, and pray today that I may be worthy when the need comes to stand up for you.

Listening

My son, you have actually missed out one of the most important things. Faith was the reason why Abraham was able to have a walking and talking relationship with me.

Praying

Thank you, Lord. I accept that gentle rebuke. I thank you that you are teaching me to trust you, and showing me how you wish to be personally involved in the day-to-day life of your family. The evidence for this is the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. I also recognise that you are a God of action. Sometimes this is in the physical world on individuals or a group, but sometimes not. The scripture says that you are Spirit, and they that worship you must worship you "in spirit and in truth" (John 4: 24). I thank you, Lord, that your prime area of activity is in the spirit, and that this includes interaction with my spirit, and the spirits of my brothers and sisters. Lord, I believe, that faith in you is the key to knowing this leading, guiding, solace, yes, and even inner voice. I thank you for the example that came with Abraham, that you have given it to millions today and least of all to me. So I pray again today that people reading these words may be encouraged to reach out to you and know this blessing of faith that you want to give to each of us.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

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