Abraham

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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Before these introductory remarks are written, the articles of the issue are selected and read. In reading them, I was stuck by that fact that when Abraham lived by faith, his life was more simple, but when his faith failed, his life became more complicated. Even Abraham’s greatest test of faith was dealt with in a simple manner. He “rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son.” He simply, immediately obeys. By contrast, when unbelief takes Abraham down into Egypt, he counsels his wife on what to say to conceal their true relationship. Then, during this time, his wife gets an Egyptian servant, and she in turn greatly complicates Abraham’s life and the life of his descendents to this day. It is well for us to remember that faith simplifies, while unbelief complicates. Trust in God leaves to Him the ways and means; trust in man depends on man’s complicated schemes. Present society has become very complicated, but it does not produce contentment or happiness. When the Son of Man rules over the earth, life will return to a simpler lifestyle: “Every man under his vine and under his fig tree” (Mic. 4:44But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. (Micah 4:4)).