The drama of Abraham’s life has a few principal “actors”. We have introduced Abram and Sarai. (I noticed afresh (with a frisson of personal interest) that Abram began his walk for God when he was 75.) The journey out of Haran towards Canaan included Lot with his family and servants. We see, later in the account, that Abram had a faithful and trusted servant called Eliezar [see Genesis 15:2]. It is believed that this Eliezer went out to find a wife for Isaac. However, the chapter on this [ch.24] does not give the servant a name!
For me the key person in the life of Abraham is God – meeting with and guiding Abraham through his life. It is not far-fetched to point out that these appearances of God were the Lord Jesus.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. John 8:56
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58
(By the way, your reading of the New Testament will reveal that Abraham is mentioned many, many times.)
How did Jesus know about Abraham rejoicing about the “day of Jesus”?
We know, from Scripture that Abraham had a remarkable faith and trust in God. We are not told about every encounter and word spoken between Abraham and God but can see that there was something that kept Abraham going.
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. Genesis 12:1-4
This reminds me of the account of Jesus calling His disciples. He simply said, “Follow me!”
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-18
Abram was given a promise that captured his heart. He was asked to leave his homeland for something better. The same seems to be true of the fishermen. They were asked to follow Jesus. However, it seems to me that the real “heart capture” was knowing that Jesus wanted them to walk with him. The idea of being in the company of Jesus brought rejoicing. Abram was shown by the Lord that he would be a blessing to all nations. This would be when the Lord was incarnated in a body that was a descendant of Abraham! Abraham rejoiced about that day when the grace of God would be revealed and made available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.
Question:
Is my response to the call of Jesus one of rejoicing?
More soon.
