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.
Genesis 12:2-3 NIV
Abram’s invitation was rooted in God’s promise; a promise that would shape his destiny and bless all nations through him. This promise wasn’t a vague assurance. Instead, it is a profound declaration of God’s plans to make Abram into a great nation and bless him abundantly. By focusing on God’s promise to Abram, we see the solid foundation for Abram’s obedience and faith. Despite not knowing the specifics of his destination, Abram trusted in God’s promise, finding hope and purpose in the assurance of divine blessings.
Abram’s obedience is a powerful example of faith grounded in divine assurance. God’s promise to Abram gave him a reason to trust and follow, even when the journey ahead was uncertain. This promise was more than just words; it was a guarantee that God had a purpose for Abram’s life. God was going to make him the one that would bring blessings to all nations. Abram’s faith in God inspired him to leave behind his homeland, step into the unknown, and trust God completely.
Meanwhile, God’s invitation required Abram to let go of his own plans and ambitions. He was to rely entirely on God’s direction, relinquishing self-will and self-interest. This mirrors the call God extends to us today—a call to leave behind the comforts of self-reliance and step into a life fully surrendered to His guidance. God’s purpose for us begins when we let go of our own.
Furthermore, the specificity of God’s instruction to Abram is significant. God told him to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household. But not without his wife, emphasising the unity of marriage in God’s design. Abram’s call as the head of his household was not an individualistic endeavour but a family journey, showing us that when God calls, He often calls us as a unit, not in isolation. Malachi 2:15 emphasises this truth, reminding us of the oneness of marriage in God’s eyes.
Therefore, as the head of his household, Abram’s clear reception of God’s instructions enabled his family to follow. This reflects God’s order: the head leads, and the body aligns. Similarly, for us to move in God’s direction, we must align ourselves with His instructions and leadership.
God’s call to Abram mirrors His call to us today. He invites us to leave behind sin, iniquity, and comfort zones that are contrary to His will. Meanwhile, God is not inviting only unbelievers. Instead, He invites believers also to deeper levels of discipleship and intimacy with God. Just as Abram had to maintain a close relationship with God to discern His direction, we too must nurture a continuous and consistent relationship with Him.
This personal relationship with God is the foundation of our obedience and faith. It is only by walking closely with Him that we can fulfil His purposes and bring glory to His name. God’s call is not merely about what we leave behind but about what we are stepping into—a life shaped and used for His glory.
In conclusion, Abram’s story reminds us of the transformative power of God’s call and the blessings tied to obedience. Just as Abram had to trust God’s promise and follow His direction, we, too, must let go of ourselves and trust Him with our journey. God’s invitation to leave behind the old and embrace the new is a call to purpose, consecration, and a deeper relationship with Him. May we respond to His call with faith and obedience, allowing Him to shape us for His glory and use us as a blessing to others.
