At the end of our journey with Abraham, we can learn valuable life lessons to apply to our own faith walk with God.
Let’s begin with the most significant lesson of all, Abraham’s faith. Abraham’s decision to believe God’s promise of many parts; (a son, a nation, a homeland, and a legacy for the whole world, which God reiterated to both Isaac and Jacob, and ratified with a blood sacrifice ceremony and with the sign of circumcision when he was a barren old man), put him into the state of righteousness with God. This is the same criterion and requirement for everyone who aspires to participate in God’s kingdom.
After his choice to believe God’s promise, Abraham’s standing in God no longer depended on his performance but on the righteousness credited to him because of his faith. He would always have a credit balance in his relationship with God, guaranteed by his faith in God’s promise.
Romans 4:13 NLT
[13] “Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith…
[16] So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.”
God treasures faith in Him and His word more than any other human response to Him.
Hebrews 11:1 NLT
[1] “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see…
[6] And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
John 6:28-29 NLT
[28]”They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” [29] Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
Unbelief is what dishonours God the most because unbelief declares that God is a liar. Unbelief produces all the evil behaviour that reflects rebellion against God’s person and standards.
John 3:18-19 NLT
[18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”
Evil deeds, then, are the fruit of unbelief, and unbelief will bring God’s judgment down on the heads of all who dare to call Him a liar.
It was his standing in grace that Abraham received by faith that brought him into the intimacy of friendship with God. Abraham did not claim this friendship for himself. God drew him into this intimate relationship because Abraham also lived righteously. It was God who expressed His confidence that Abraham would not only live a righteous life but also lead his family to follow his example.
Genesis 18:17-19 NLT
[17] “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. [18] “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. [19] I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”
What a legacy for those who are declared righteous because of their faith! If every godly parent would follow God’s pattern, God’s kingdom in our hearts would spread and flourish in our communities.
To be continued…