“Early the next morning Abraham
took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her
shoulders and then sent her off with the boy.” Genesis 21:14
When it comes to faith, Abraham is the gold standard, isn’t he? After all, this is the guy whose belief in God’s promise was credited to him as righteousness, which was first proclaimed in the original Genesis story and then reaffirmed in three separate New Testament letters. Abraham’s trust meant everything to God and it lives on forever as an example to all of mankind.
Do you know what is particularly amazing about Abraham’s faith, though? Not only did he believe God, he obeyed him immediately.
When God commanded the circumcision of Abraham, the men of his household and his male descendants, Abraham carried out the order “on that very day” (Genesis 17:23). When God told Abraham to send away forever his servant Hagar and his son Ishmael, he said his good-byes “early the next morning” (Genesis 21:14), even though “greatly distressed.” When God tested him by commanding the sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham got up and set forth, again, “early the next morning” Genesis 22:5).
These were no small orders. Personally, I would have taken more time – quite a bit more time, actually – you know, “to pray about it.” When it comes to big steps of faith, my proclivity to ponder downshifts into a disposition to dither. (Can you relate, or is it just me?)
When it comes to faith, Abraham is the gold standard, isn’t he? After all, this is the guy whose belief in God’s promise was credited to him as righteousness, which was first proclaimed in the original Genesis story and then reaffirmed in three separate New Testament letters. Abraham’s trust meant everything to God and it lives on forever as an example to all of mankind.
Do you know what is particularly amazing about Abraham’s faith, though? Not only did he believe God, he obeyed him immediately.
When God commanded the circumcision of Abraham, the men of his household and his male descendants, Abraham carried out the order “on that very day” (Genesis 17:23). When God told Abraham to send away forever his servant Hagar and his son Ishmael, he said his good-byes “early the next morning” (Genesis 21:14), even though “greatly distressed.” When God tested him by commanding the sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham got up and set forth, again, “early the next morning” Genesis 22:5).
These were no small orders. Personally, I would have taken more time – quite a bit more time, actually – you know, “to pray about it.” When it comes to big steps of faith, my proclivity to ponder downshifts into a disposition to dither. (Can you relate, or is it just me?)
Abraham’s faith exposes my doubt; his actions dwarf my intentions. So I have
decided to do something about it ... starting small of course. When people are
on my mind, I will pray. When burdens are on my heart, I will reach out in
friendship and support. When the Spirit calls me to action, I will offer myself
to him.
Will I mess up? Probably, but no more than if I allowed time for second-guessing.
[Read today's Scripture in Genesis 21:1-18.]
Will I mess up? Probably, but no more than if I allowed time for second-guessing.
[Read today's Scripture in Genesis 21:1-18.]
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