Genesis 12 records God giving Abram instructions that literally changed the world. "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3, ESV)
I'm pretty certain this wasn't in Abram's plan, but it was God's plan - so he picked up his life and his family and he went. I'm sitting here thinking about all the questions Sarai, his wife, must have had. As a leader I know that every trip comes with at least dozens of questions, and I'm wondering how Abram fielded those with the few logistics he knew. None of that really matters though, he knew that the God of the universe had called him to take an action - and that was what he was to do. God said go, and so he went.
We complain and falter when God calls us to step out in faith and we don't know all the details. Abram wasn't told any of the details, and yet God's command to him was easily one of the most history-altering events of all time. Perhaps we can learn a little something about what is a "necessity" in following Christ. Clearly we don't need to have all the information we think need.
God said go, and so he went.
If you haven't tried to set up a blog before, you may not know that almost every semi-short address is already taken...and several of the long ones. I finally settled on the concept I now have; I went back and forth as to whether or not to go with the masculine language recognizing Abraham for the address - andthenHEwent.blogspot.com. I chose the feminine form not in some sort of women's lib move, (liberation through Jesus is all I want to proclaim btw), but because I have to take personal responsibility to live the word before I ask anyone else to do the same. "andthenshewent" is a personal encouragement and reminder towards my obedience, not a declaration of something I've mastered. I picked it because of my weakness, not my strength.
Speaking of weaknesses, I know Abraham wasn't flawless - literally, I see him sinning in the next paragraph in my bible. But with all he did wrong, he did some things right. And when I step back and think about the formation of Israel, the giving of the law, the generations of people that had their roles in preparing the way, and then finally the coming of the Messiah...I'm in awe of God's divine plan. Jesus came, and please don't mistake what I'm saying - He's the star of this story. He conquered sin and death and brought freedom!
Talk about long-range planning, God knew about everything before there was time. Abraham's part is not actually even that close to the beginning, but it was important. As I sit in front of my computer and as I challenge my friends to proclaim Christ among the nations, I can't help but realize that I am sitting here, in part, because of Abraham's obedience. Sure, God could have done it without him. But looking at what happens when someone follows Christ, sure encourages me to go when He says go. With every call of God, every command of scripture, there is a necessary response. The details may look different, but the essence is obedience. Every time I encounter scripture, there should be an "and-so" that follows. Whether it is a praise to God for how He is revealed in the word, or an action carried out because God said so - a response is needed. Lord, may my life be full of right responses to your glory.
Whose life will be different because of my obedience? Whose life will be different because of your obedience?
