God's Persistence

The election and the call of Abraham have a unique character in the entire Old Testament. It is the first reaction of God after the fall of Adam and Eve. Abraham's departure from Ur of the Chaldeans is one of the most glorious events in the annals of faith. The writer of Hebrews sums it up very well in these brief phrases: "By faith Abraham, being called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb. 11:8). Abraham's call was a call to go out, to turn his back on the world.

However, although the call was great, and even greater the one who made it, Abraham was not an exceptional person. In an idolatrous civilization like the Chaldeans, so was he. He was only a stone taken from the quarry of the world. He was at ease in that culture; nevertheless, God, in His sovereignty, chose him as the first fruits and example of all men of faith to come, in whom He is well pleased.

Abraham differed greatly from Abel, Enoch and Noah. These seem to have been men of decision, notably different from those around them. It was not so with Abraham; but God's recovery began with him. Such a man suited the glory of God, for he could never be puffed up in his righteousness nor in his merits, for he had none. God chose him, "not because of works, but because of him that calleth" (Rom. 9:11).

Abraham's walk had hesitations and stumblings. If we compare Genesis 11:31-12:1 and Acts 7:2-4 we can see how, at the beginning of his career, family ties prevented him from responding fully to God's call. Instead of Abraham taking the initiative, Terah, his father, took it, and he became entangled in Haran; and there he remained, until death broke the tie that bound him to his father.

This shows us that the influences of nature are always contrary to the realization of the vocation of a child of God, and therefore we must beware of them. If we are not conscious of the greatness of the calling we have received, they will lead us to be content with less than what God has appointed for us. However, God, who had called Abraham to Canaan, did not rest while Abraham was in Haran. God is persistent. When Abraham was already seventy-five years old, God reminds him of his calling. And he brought him to Canaan.

Abraham's experience is that of many of God's children who have given up or are about to give up the race. Haran still offers them the comforts of civilization. In the distance an inhospitable and unknown Canaan looms, and there is no strength to advance. But God, who is rich in mercy, and persistent like no other, helps to overcome fears, puts forth renewed courage, and then Abraham is able to enter the Promised Land. The great deeds of faith have been accomplished, not by the perseverance of man, but by the persistence of God.

Design downloaded from free website templates.