Human Response 24: Trust and Obey

Genesis 12:4, 5 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Abraham had already left Ur with his father. Now he was called by God to leave Haran. His response to God’s call was to believe and obey. Hebrews 11:8: ”By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out…obeyed; and he went out.” Thank God Abraham was faithful and obedient, for through him God would keep his promises: a Land (the Kingdom of God), Offspring (Jesus our Savior), and a Blessing to the nations (us).

The Lord spoke to Abraham and called him by giving these grace promises. Abraham responded by trusting the Lord to do what He said and by doing what He said. His faith was evidenced by his response: ”Abraham departed, as the Lord had spoken.” His faith response to God’s Word set in motion God’s plan of salvation and blessing for every one of us.

Our faith response to God’s Word of Gospel Promise also sets in motion the working out of God’s salvation and blessing in our lives. We know the outcome of our faith: we shall be with the Lord in His “Land,” but along the way do not know where we are going. Hebrews 11:8: ”And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” But we know Him who does know. Jesus is the Way. That is enough. We follow.