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Patriarchs and Prophets
give His servant. Now that Abraham was, in a special sense, connected
with heaven, he must dwell among strangers. His character must be
peculiar, differing from all the world. He could not even explain
his course of action so as to be understood by his friends. Spiritual
things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were not
comprehended by his idolatrous kindred.
“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’s unquestioning
obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be found
in all the Bible. To him, faith was “the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.”
Verse 1
. Relying upon the divine
promise, without the least outward assurance of its fulfillment, he
abandoned home and kindred and native land, and went forth, he knew
not whither, to follow where God should lead. “By faith he became a
sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in
tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.”
Hebrews 11:9
, R.V.
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 has 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 do not hear the voice
of God speaking directly from the heavens, but He calls them by the
teachings of His word and the events of His providence. They may be
required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave
congenial and profitable associations and separate from kindred, to
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enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and
sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the
influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the
very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from
human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of His help,
and to depend upon Him alone, that He may reveal Himself to them.