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Abraham, who pairs with Noah; this we must reserve for another study. Meanwhile, let
us rejoice in the fact revealed in Rom. 8: 17, "if children, then heirs, heirs of God".
No.47.
Abraham. The obedience that inherits (11: 8).
pp. 141 - 145
The association of faith and inheritance is set forth by the two great examples of Noah
and Abraham. In our last example the great contributing motives were a divine warning,
a godly fear, and a preparation. Abraham's example supplies other facets of this jewel of
truth.
The obedience of faith.
"By faith Abraham . . . . . obeyed." This simple statement is supplemented by
illuminating clauses which we must earnestly consider.
A1 |
He was called to GO OUT.
B1
| Unto a place . . . an inheritance.
A2 |
And he WENT OUT.
B2
| Not knowing whither he went.
First let us observe, "He was called to go out . . . . . and he went out". Such is the
record on the tables of faith. Abraham's actual record is not so simple. His obedience
was partial and in stages; this we can read in Genesis. A comparison with Heb. 11: 8
indicates how many seasons of our lives may be blanks in the roll of faith. The story of
Abraham's obedience is written for our learning. Let us seek grace to be humble
disciples in this school of grace. The first movement is indicated by Stephen:
"The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia,
before he dwelt in Charran, and said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee" (Acts 7: 2, 3).
The second movement is revealed in Gen. 12: 1:
"Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee."
The third movement is given in Gen. 13: 14, 15:
"And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now
thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and
eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy
seed for ever."
The fourth and crowning movement is given in Gen. 22: 12-18:
"Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only
son from Me . . . in blessing I will bless thee . . . because thou hast obeyed My voice."