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Genesis 12-25Reflection:
This story is part of the Patriarchal Age which is from Genesis chapter 12 to 50 beginning from Abraham. The chronicles from Adam to Jesus Christ: Adam-4100BC; Noah 3060BC; Abraham(Jacob) 2006BC; David 1106 BC; then Jesus Christ. According to this chronicle, there is a specific person every 1000 years.In this chapter, I would like to introduce a man named Abraham - the forefather of faith. Reading his life in the book of Genesis, we can see that Abraham is a man of faith, an obedient follower of God, and a worshipper. In the book of Isaiah 41:8 *'O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendant of Abraham my friend.'* Also in the book of James 2:23 *'And, the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to Him as righteousness,"* If a man is to be called 'friend' by God, that is the highest calling of a person in this world, and there is a specific reason to be called as such. When Abraham was called by God (in Genesis 12:1) to leave his country, his people, and his father's house, Abraham obeyed God's order without any question.
It is difficult to follow the word of God without any conviction, but Abraham did so. Also, it is not easy to heavy his own country, relative, and his protection from his father's house. Many want to live comfortably with their culture, circumstance, and language, and do not want to depart from these. Abraham, however, had followed God's order to leave everything behind. Maybe he has trusted God for what had happened in his life even though he was not able to see God. Secondly, Abraham obeyed God's order even if it was tough and heavy when he was told to sacrifice his only son, Isaac.
Obedience is extraordinary. It is always specific and not easy to be done. It is the source of humility that does not seek our selfish desires. Faith and obedience are almost the same and are complementary to each other. If Abraham has no faith, then there is no obedience; and if he is not obedient, he has no faith even if he professes that he has. Thirdly, Abraham was a worshipper. Wherever he goes, he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 12:7-8; Gen 15:9-17). The greatest worship of Abraham is the incident of Isaac. When God tested Abraham to give his son Isaac as a sacrifice, he had obeyed under God's order even if he lost his only son. Abraham's faith and obedience and worship are very supreme.
If we would like to be called 'friend of God', let us follow the way of Abraham.
Photo by: Eberhard Grossgasteiger
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