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the truth we proclaim, but following the faithful example set us by Noah let us continue
to seek to enlighten all men what is the stewardship of the secret which from the
beginning of the world has been hid in God. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
No.2.
Abraham.
pp. 50 - 55
On the immediate historical background to the great man of faith, Scripture is silent.
We know that Abraham was the son of Terah, and that originally he lived in Ur of the
Chaldees (Gen. 11: 31).
We do know that, all too soon after the Flood, men engaged in planning the Tower of
Babel. It is clear from the account in Gen. 11: 1-9, that this was an act of rebellion
against God, and was judged by Him as such. Up to this time God had been dealing with
mankind as a whole; now He begins to move towards the calling of one family, one race
and nation. With the call of Abraham this purpose comes into operation.
In some instances those called of God for His service experienced that call over a very
short period. Others, like Abraham found that their calling extended over a much longer
period, developing step by step. If we have experienced one of these, we must be careful
not to deny the other. To some God speaks in an instant; to others He speaks over a
more prolonged period of time, leading them step by step to greater things. Nor must we
look upon those whose experience differs from our own as being less spiritual, or more
spiritual than we are. God deals with us as individuals, and chooses and uses us
according to our needs and abilities. From the human standpoint it might seem that one
needed to be led step by step, as was Abraham; and Abraham merited the proud title of
`father of the faithful'.
In recounting the history of the chosen People Stephen, before his accusers, said this
of Abraham:
"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. Then came he out of the land of
the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he
removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell" (Acts 7: 2-4).
"Then came he out." Heb. 11: 8 adds to this information by telling us "and he went
out, not knowing whither he went". This is often quoted as support for those who `leave
all' to serve the Lord, giving up the means of livelihood, and `trusting to the Lord' to
supply their needs. It is just as frequently forgotten that Abraham took his livelihood
with him, in the shape of flocks and herds! "He went out, not knowing whither he
WENT". He knew from whence his next meal would come, and from the same source, as
wool or skins would come his clothing, and accommodation could also be provided by