Lesson 2 for July 11, 2015

God’s call involved: Leaving his home city and his idolatrous family (Joshua 24:2). A blessing for him (Genesis 12:2). A blessing for humanity (Genesis 12:3). We are also called to be God’s missionaries in this world. That involves: Leaving everything that could prevent us from fulfilling our mission. A blessing for our life. A blessing for everyone who accepts our message (the eternal Gospel). Abraham lived in Ur when he accepted God’s call. He went to Haran with his father Terah (Gn. 11:31) then he began his journey towards Canaan (Gn. 12:5).

“Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” (Genesis 14:14) Lot settled in Sodom (Genesis 13:12) after Abraham and him separated. He was an innocent war victim there (Genesis 14:1-12). Abraham’s life and message were peaceful, but he didn’t remain indifferent to injustice (Genesis 14:13-24). He showed that believers…  can effectively serve their country.  are courageous people.  are righteous people.  defend the oppressed.  never try to profit from their deeds.  are faithful to God in every circumstance.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8) God told Abraham to go to Canaan. That was a very ambiguous geographical reference (for example, it’s different to say “go to the USA” than “go to New York”). He had faith to take the first step; i.e. leaving his old life behind and beginning a new one. A new life of total dependence on God. He had faith to go on in the Promised Land; from his first altar at Shechem to the one where he almost sacrificed Isaac. He had faith in God’s promises for his life: “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6). He had faith in God’s promises for his future: “for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10).

Shechem (Genesis 12:6-7). The promise of inheriting Canaan. Abraham understood his mission. Hebron (Genesis 13:18- 14:20). He trusted God when he saved his nephew. He understood God’s power. Mamre (Genesis 18:1, 20-33). He interceded with God on Sodom’s behalf. He understood God’s mercy. Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-14). He obeyed God. He understood God’s salvation plan. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.” (Hebrews 11:17) God used Abraham despite his mistakes, because Abraham longed for being used by Him. Abraham’s constant travels through the Promised Land were God’s tools to teach him important spiritual lessons.

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” (Genesis 18:19) Missionary activities will be more successful when they are backed by a family life that is in harmony with the designs of God. Abraham’s faith and obedience rubbed off on his family and servants (Genesis 24:12). “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised… By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” (Hebrews 11:11, 20)

“Parents should in a special sense regard themselves as agents of God to instruct their children, as did Abraham, to keep the way of the Lord. They need to search the Scriptures diligently, to know what is the way of the Lord, that they may teach it to their household. Micah says, ‘What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?’ [Micah 6:8.] In order to be teachers, parents must be learners, gathering light constantly from the oracles of God and by precept and example bringing this precious light into the education of their children.” E.G.W. (The Adventist Home, section 8, cp. 28, pg. 184)

“Abraham’s unquestioning obedience was one of the most striking instances of faith and reliance upon God to be found in the Sacred Record. With only the naked promise that his descendants should possess Canaan, without the least outward evidence, he followed on where God should lead, fully and sincerely complying with the conditions on his part, and confident that the Lord would faithfully perform His word. The patriarch went wherever God indicated his duty; he passed through wildernesses without terror; he went among idolatrous nations, with the one thought: ‘God has spoken; I am obeying His voice; He will guide, He will protect me.’ Just such faith and confidence as Abraham had the messengers of God need today.” E.G.W. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, no. 30, cp. 50, pg. 524)