Bible Talks: Abraham the man of faith-Genesis 12:1

Narrator: Chris Genthree
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Abraham remained in Haran until his father, Terah, died. Surely there is a lesson in this for all who would enjoy the fruit of God’s blessing. If one compromises and hesitates to engage in what the Lord has given him to do, He in love may come in and remove the attachment that hinders, perhaps in a way more difficult than if the sacrifice had been obediently made in the first place.
If some of our readers have been confronted with similar conditions, with restraint on the part of family or worldly companions, the experiences of Abraham should prove helpful. He was inspired by the heavenly promise. The true believer should also be inspired by the words of our Lord Jesus: “There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who should not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Luke 18:29-3029And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (Luke 18:29‑30). Too, his determination to be faithful may appear foolish to those who would hold him back, for they cannot grasp the value of that to which he is committed. Such a one needs to ever remember that God’s message has been directed to him personally. Comfort will be found in carefully searching the Scriptures to reinforce the call to faithfulness in the midst of oppression or hindrance.
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12,1412Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1 Corinthians 2:12)
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14). May each child of God, seeking to please Him in the earthly walk, look for strength and guidance to Him who “giveth more grace.” (James 4:66But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)).
The journey to Haran is not detailed to us. But if we look at a map we would find a logical route along the Euphrates River for a distance of some 600 miles. On the way this company would go by the tower of Babel and perhaps be visited by Nimrod who established his kingdom there. But Abraham would have no time for, nor interest in Nimrod and the condemned city. We read in Hebrews 11:88By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8): “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” The 10th verse goes on to say, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Babel held no attraction to such a one. May our eyes be on that heavenly city, too?
ML 01/24/1965