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No Questions Asked, February 7
Genesis 12:1-9
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.
Hebrews 11:8
.
Abraham had grown up in the midst of superstition and heathenism. Even
his father’s household, by whom the knowledge of God had been preserved,
were yielding to the seductive influences surrounding them, and they “served
other gods” than Jehovah....
The message of God came to Abraham, “Get thee out of thy country, and
from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.”
In order that God might qualify him for his great work as the keeper of the sacred
oracles, Abraham must be separated from the associations of his early life....
Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of
faith to be found in all the Bible....
It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice
that was required of him. There were strong ties to bind him to his country,
his kindred, and his home. But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no
question to ask concerning the land of promise—whether the soil was fertile
and the climate healthful; whether the country afforded agreeable surroundings
and would afford opportunities for amassing wealth. God had spoken, and His
servant must obey; the happiest place on earth for him was the place where God
would have him to be.
Many are still tested as was Abraham.... They may be required to abandon a
career that promises wealth and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associa-
tions, and separate from kindred, to enter upon what appears to be only a path of
self-denial, hardship, and sacrifice. God has a work for them to do....
Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and
familiar associations? Who will accept new duties and enter untried fields ...? He
who will do this has the faith of Abraham, and will share with him that “far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” with which “the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared” (
2 Corinthians 4:17
;
Romans 8:18
)
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Patriarchs and Prophets, 125-127
.
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