Genesis 12:1, 4: Unconditional Obedience

Genesis 12:1, 4.. "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you'. . . .So Abram went."

The story of Abraham! Isn't it truly a great one? Hopefully we all know this story, but if you don't, here's a quick recap. Abram (or "Abraham," to which his name was changed to later) was a man chosen by the Lord to be the father of the Lord's people. On a great day in history, the Lord came to Abram and called him to leave his land and his family to go to a land to which the Lord would show him. The Lord also promised to bless him and his children (that is, the "many sons of father Abraham!"). Abram, without wavering, followed the Lord's call upon his life. He "went, as the Lord told him" (Genesis 12:4). He is truly a great example of unconditional obedience, and to this great example we look this morning.

Firstly, let us look at what Abram had to give up to follow the Lord. Honestly, this was very interesting to me this morning. See verse one again: "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.'" The Lord called Abram to leave his country, his kindred, and his father's house. Abram's "country" refered to his land, or better yet, his homeland. God called Abram to leave his home, that which was confortable, normal, and familiar. The Lord also called Abram to leave his kindred and his father's house. We don't often use the word kindred, but it refers to one's family. Though Abram did take Sarah (his wife) and Lord (his nephew) with him, he had to leave all of his other family to pursue God's call upon his life. Nevertheless, Abram was faithful, even though he had to leave his home and his family.

I personally love the way the scriptures put Abram's response: "So Abram went, as the Lord told him." Short and sweet: Abraham obeyed. He didn't question. He didn't argue. He didn't run. Rather, he faithfully and unconditionally obeyed. Hhhmmm. This sure sounds like a great example to follow...

So, what is the Lord calling you to leave this morning? Perhaps he isn't calling you to leave your family and your home, but if he did call you to do so, would you be ready? Do you respond with faithful and unconditional obedience when the Lord calls you to do something? Or do you question, complain, argue, and run?