Spiritually Speaking

By faith, Abraham

 

September 18, 2020



On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have the challenging honor of caring for my 1-year-old granddaughter. We drop “Gaga” off at the school and head for the office at Shamrock Church of Christ. To say the least, I need to rearrange that office space to be more baby friendly. She basically runs laps around the desk and picks up things from the lower shelves while I pretend to be getting something done. Yesterday (Tuesday, the 15th), I was attempting a rather simple task: I was counting the number of times Abraham is said to have done something “by faith” in Hebrews 11.

His saga begins in verse 8: “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed ...” In verse 9, we are reminded that he “made his home in the promised land” (by faith). Verse 11 calls to mind the amazing, late in life birth of Isaac. “By faith Abraham, even when he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father ….” After a short interlude that includes a nod to more of Abraham’s family, the writer continues in verse 17. “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice” (because he believed God could raise the dead).

If I’m counting correctly, that’s four direct “by faith” statements for the Father of the Faithful, Abraham. Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, carriers and protectors of the family line, are mainly mentioned as those who passed along the promises – giving family blessings near the time of their own demise. The only other hero in the list who gets multiple mentions is Moses, who tops out at two (the first of which actually belongs to his parents).

Perhaps the take-away from Abraham’s honor is found in its long running influence. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and even Moses are heirs with Abraham because he was faithful first, and often. What if we, as fathers, mothers, mentors and friends, should leave such a legacy? Perhaps there will be great people of faith living in this place far after we have gone.

 

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