Forgive me if I’ve tread this ground before, as it has become a foundational thought in both my life and faith, one that I return to often. Abram’s call, found in the 12th chapter of Genesis, begins with the line “Go to the land that I will show you.” When we think of Abram’s (later named Abraham) faith, we most commonly think of his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac. It occurs to me, however, that there are two different expressions of faith happening in these scenarios.
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (who is ultimately spared) is a willingness to follow God into a very difficult place. Into fear, loneliness, despair, and loss. Not many of us willingly follow God into these places. The distinction I’d like to make here is this: God called Abraham to a very specific task. Abraham was willing.
Second, Abram’s willingness to move to a place that will one day be shown to him is a willingness to follow God into a completely unknown place. He is specifically called to leave his country, his people, all that he knows, but he is not told where to go. This is a call away from everything that has become comfortable and familiar. Into foreign territory, the unknown, mystery. Not many of us willingly follow God into these places, either. In this instance the distinction is that God has called Abram to total ambiguity. Abraham, again, was willing.
Perhaps your story is different than mine, but in my experience I am more often called toward something on the ambiguous side of this spectrum. I don’t often have a sense of precisely what is required of me. The foundations never, ever change: love God, love others, walk humbly, do justice, love mercy. The details, on the other hand, are often only made clear once I begin to walk. That was the brilliance of Abram’s faith in Genesis 12: he got up and walked. He could have set his feet and insisted that God give him a game plan. He could have folded his arms and furrowed his brow. He could have asked for a strategic plan, a profit and loss statement, an analysis of the necessary funds and resources. Abram appears to have been a successful man. It’s likely that he was accustomed to decision-making, yet something compelled him forward into this ambiguity, this unknown land.
I think that there may be a hint in verse 3 of Genesis 12, “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” If Abram wishes to be a blessing to others, he must first make the difficult decision of following God into unknown territory. His call is not for himself, not for his comfort, but for the rest of us. For you and me. He is compelled by a love for God and for God’s people.
Last month I invited you to share your thoughts about a future vision for Westminster. You told me that supporting and connecting families was a key. You told me that college students could benefit from connective relationships. You told me that our young people need caring adults from our congregation to be a part of their lives. In other words, you told me that we must be compelled by a love for others. Not a bad place to start if Abram’s story teaches us anything. Westminster must continue to be a blessing to those around us, not just those already within our walls.
I’d love to work with you as we walk together toward this vision of loving God and loving others. None of us can see the destination from where we stand right now, but God calls us forward nonetheless. How is God calling you forward today? How has he asked you to be a blessing to others? I’d love to hear from you!
Be well, friends.