A character study of the life of Abraham The life of Abraham was a unique, yet complex one, thus he possessed multifaceted characters which earned him the titles of many names. This character study of Abraham examines the major events of his life and the spiritual principles in these events that are applicable to my life today. Specific examples will be given showing how the application of these spiritual principles might affect my life. Abram was born and grew up in Ur of the Chaldeans. His father was Terah who also fathered Nahor and Haran who was the father of lot. Abram’s wife was the lovely Sarai whom he loved and cherished. After the death of his son Haran, Terah took his daughters- in-law, his sons and grandson and settled in the land of Haran (Gen. 11; 27-32). In obedience to the voice of God who had told Abram to leave his country and his people who were steeped in polytechnic worship (they worshipped a pantheon of gods, they were also involved in idol worshipping and sacrificial worship), and go to the land I will show you, he responded willingly. Stephen in his long discourse said, “ The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran….so he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran, after the death of his father God sent him to the land where you are now living” (Acts 4:2- 4). This was Abraham’s first act of obedience and it testifies to us as Christians that we should obey the voice of God no matter the circumstance. A point of interest is that Abram responded to the voice of God, not because of the promise which states, “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great … And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen.12:2-3) but he trusted God, so, with this trust in Jehovah, he moved from the country and people he loved and cared for, to a country and people he knew nothing about. He trusted God when he did not have all the facts or know where he was going. This is a lesson for all of us to trust God and obey the voice of his calling. Abraham was used to worship, and, although the worship practiced in his country was pagan in its origin, he respected the deity he was exposed to, and believed that a deity should be revered. Therefore, when Abraham came to the knowledge of the true God, he had no problem building an alter, sacrificing, bowing down and paying obeisance to the God whom he came to know and trust (12:8). Notice that, this was done between Bethel (House of God) and Ai (mass; heap) but nearer to Bethel. Abraham could have done his worship in the house of God (Bethel) but he chose to do it at a central spot, between the house of God and a heap. He did it perhaps because he was not sure that the call was really from God, or, as Matthew Henry states “, He kept up his correspondence with heaven, as one that resolve it shall not fail on his side; thus he acknowledged, with thankfulness, God’s kindness to him in making him that gracious visit and promise; and thus he testifies his confidence in and dependence upon the words which God had spoken” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Volume 1 p.70). This example testifies that, worship is important to the people of God, and that worship should not be limited to a particular spot or classy building, but whenever or wherever one find one’s self, one should worship the creator (cf. Dan. 6:10; Matt.6:6; Acts 5:29; 1Kings 8:48-50; Gen13: 3; 28:11,19). Note, Paul did not choose where to worship; he did it where he could get an audience, in people’s home (Acts 20:7ff; 18:7-8), on the bank of river (Acts 16: 13-15) even in jail (Acts16: 25-34). Abraham “the friend of God” set us a worthy example. His was a life of prayer. Wherever was pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his alter, calling all within his encampment to the morning and evening sacrifice (E.G. White p.128, 1958). Abraham was faithful in worship and as the father of all living (Rom. 4:16), we should follow in his foot steps. I can recall when we were refurbishing our church house we had to remove the roof to replace it with a new roof. We had nowhere to go to worship, somebody had a bar nearby that was not in operation, so I approached the person and got the building to worship in. We were so happy because we had the opportunity of a shelter where we could worship. When the owner wanted to reopen the bar, we moved to a sister’s house and there we stayed until we could be relocated. God blessed our effort because we were faithful. Abraham was not always faithful in trusting God, because “to err is man, and divine is God” Abraham suffered human limitation when he was faced with possible extermination (so he thought) in Egypt (Gen.12: 10-13:2). He was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him because of the beauty of his wife, so he told her “Please say that you are my sister (which in truth she was, for she was his father’s child) so that it will go well with me because of you and that I may live on account of you” (v 13). However, God is faithful to his promises and, as Abram learnt later “even failure can be a good teacher and can prepare you for what is ahead. He learned he could trust God for his protection and provision” As Christians we should not readily try to kill Abraham for his action, as we are prone to make the same mistake. Jesus our model leader also suffered human limitation, when in agony he cried, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will”. Again he prayed “My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it .Your will be done (Matt. 26:39, 42 NIV). This is a clear indication that we should always cry out to God in the time of our adversities, and trust Him at His words. God has his method of protecting His people, and, as Abraham failed in his perception of God’s intervention in his promise of deliverance, so we can also fail if we are not careful. Paul warned in 1 Cor. 10: 12, “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall”. The verse goes on to say; “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it” (NIV), this section was included in the narration to show that Abraham was a man and no man is infallible only God is. He is our sustainer, our provider and our protector. Abraham was driven out of Egypt not empty handed, but loaded with wealth and in addition God protected both him and his wife. “Pharaoh reproved Abraham and then dismissed him with respect” (Henry ibid). Abraham was a humble and peaceful man of God in so much that, when his nephew Lot contended with him for the better arid land he gave it up. “And Abraham said unto Lot, let there be no strife, I pray thee between me and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren (ch. 13:8 KJV). Abraham believed that, no matter what part of the land he took, God would bless him according to promise (v. 9; 12:1-3). Abraham had regained his composure, so, as the covenant person he was not worried what would happen, “God is going to bless me, and so, even if it is stony land, God is going to make it fertile”. God made Aaron’s dry staff bud, blossomed and brought forth fruit (Num.17:8). Abraham learned to have great confidence in the Lord’s provision, even when he was living in less than ideal circumstances. He also shows us that not having all we want may shield us from many temptations. “The noble unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed. The children of God all over the world are one family and the spirit of conciliation should govern them (White p. 132). Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another (Rom. 12:10). In chapter 14 1-17 we see Abraham being put to the test when his nephew Lot was captured by the alliance of four kings Amraphel, Arioch, Kedorlaomer and Tidal who went to fight against Bera, Birsha, Shinab, Shemeber and the king of Zoar. Although Abraham was a Godly, peaceful and righteous man, he could not sit by and see his relative being subjected to captivity without doing something in his defense, so, he went after them and defeated them. God helped him in defending a just cause. Notice when he was returning with the loots from his victory, he was met by Melchizedek king of Salem who was “Priest of God Most High” and he blessed Abraham saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth And blessed be God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand” (vs. 18-20a NIV). Here, again, we see Abraham worshipping God, this time with the inaugural tithe; “Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (v. 20b). The writer of Hebrews said, “Melchizedek was king of Salem and Priest of God Most High…First, his name means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace” (Heb. 7:1-3). Notice, Abram, who was a man of peace and righteousness was met and blessed by a king and priest of peace and righteousness, if we trust Christ who is after the order of Melchizedek we can also be blessed by him. Abraham shows us the first sign of acknowledging Gods gifts and blessing by giving ten percent of what he had to the priest of the Lord. He could have continue to receive and never give, however he realized that everything he received came from God so he took the opportunity of giving to the king of Salem. Many times we are blessed of the Lord and keep the blessing to ourselves, we like to heap in our store houses while our brothers are crying out for subsistence. We refuse to acknowledge the golden rule taught by our lord ‘Give and it shall be given you… for it more blessed to give than to receive because it is in giving that you receive” (Luke 6:38). Abraham did not sit and expect God to deliver his nephew, however he got up and put faith into action, that is , he worked, for faith without work is dead (James 2:17). This experience taught Abraham he could trust God in the greatest challenges-even insurmountable odds-and God would provide a victory. Even when our families are in trouble, we can trust God to provide us with the solutions and wisdom for their dilemmas. Because of the predicament Abraham found himself in – because of the marauding nations-, he might have been fearful of his life being in danger, God appeared to him and assured him, “Do not fear Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great” (ch.15:1 New ASV). God is always faithful to his promises, and we can see a fulfillment of this faithfulness in Exodus 14: 10-31 among other scriptures. The children of Israel were fearful that they would be “swamped” by the Egyptians who were behind them; they were fearful of the humongous mountains on both sides of them, and they were fearful of the red sea before them. Moses ensured them that, God is in control, so they should let go, and let God, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” he cautioned them “The Egyptians you are seeing today you will not see them anymore” (v.13 KJV). God did what he said he would do. He is the same God existing now and we need to trust the Lord to live up to his faithfulness. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”, this is how the writer of Hebrews described faith in the King James Version of the Bible. The New American Standard Version renders it, “The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”, and The Revised Standard Version says “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. Abraham was past the age of fathering a child when God reiterated the promise in chapter 15:5; 17:1-2. After God promised Abram protection from his enemies, Abram asked him; “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” God told him that Eliezer would not be his heir but someone from his own body will be your heir v.4. God took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars–if indeed you can count them. Then he said to him “so shall your offspring be” Abram believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness (vs5-.6). The writer of the book of Hebrew postulated that, “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age –and Sarah herself was barren-was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who made the promise” (11:11). He also placed emphasis on the fact that “out of Abraham had come children that were numerous as the stars in the sky and countless as the sands on the sea shore although he had past the age” (v. 12). Abraham learned to trust in gods promise for family, even when he could not see how it might happen. We as believers need to trust God and believe his promise If we do no matter how unlikely it might seem, then God will reveal to us more insight into his plans and desires for his people. In chapter 21:1-4 this promise of a child was realized, Abraham and Sarah gave birth to their first son Isaac when Abraham was one hundred years and Sarah was ninety. Abraham learned to have patience for God’s promises. When Abraham was ninety- nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said “I am God Almighty walk before me and be blameless I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your number (17:1-2). It was it this point God changed his name from Abram (Exalted father) to Abraham (Father of many nations); Sarai’s (my lady; my princess) name was also changed to Sarah (mother of nations). The covenant stipulates that (1) you will be the father of many nations (v.4), (2) I will make you very fruitful, I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you (v.6), (3) I will give you the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession for you and your family, and I will be their God (v.8), and (4),all male children should be circumcised on the eight day after birth; this circumcision was to be a sign between the Hebrew nation and God for generations to come. Those males who were not circumcised would be cut off. Abraham circumcised all within his household that day (vs. 9-27). Paul said; “He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised, so then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised in order that righteousness might be credited to them” (Rom. 4:11 NIV) The covenant that God made with Abraham is called an “everlasting covenant” (Gen. 17:7, 19). Charles Ryrie states: “There may be delays postponements and chastisement, but an eternal covenant cannot, if God cannot deny Himself, be abrogated” (Old Testament Supplement p. 10). It is impossible for God to lie therefore the terms of the covenant cannot be abolished. Abraham learned when god calls us to a covenant relationship; He requires evidence of our commitment and our obedience. Intercessory prayer is of great importance in the life of every child of God and here we see Abraham demonstrating this principle or character when he was visited by the messengers of destruction. Some men had visited Abraham, and he had entertained them in the custom of his culture, one of the men (God) told him that the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah had become unbearable. Because of the faithfulness of Abraham, God told him He was going to reveal His intention for Sodom and Gomorrah (ch. 18:16). Abraham pleaded with God, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” He continued to ask God if He would destroy it for fifty, no; forty five, no, so he continued to intercede until he reached five. The sad thing is that God could not find five. (Vs. 23-33). Abraham learned our responsibility reaches our immediate family, and includes the need to intercede for those we know who are living outside the will of God, especially our family. Abraham had his final and greatest test when he was asked of God to use his son as a burnt offering. This was a test of obedience for Abraham. (Gen. 22: 1-19). God told Abraham, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you” (v.2). “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” (Heb11:18 NIV). The writer went on further to say, “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead” (v. 19a). God did not allow Isaac to be killed; however, He provided a ram which Abraham used as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:13). Figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from the dead (Heb. 11: 19b). Abraham provides one of the most realistic examples of both how faith can grow and develop as well as at times be shaken. His life also reminded us that age and special encounters with God are no guarantee of faith being evident in a particular circumstance (Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary, p.53). What spiritual implication does all of this have on my life? 1. I should obey God no matter the circumstance. God is able to make me and mold me into the person he wants me to be if I am obedient to his bidding. “It is more blessed to obey than to sacrifice” as is demonstrated in the story of Saul when he was sent to destroy the memory of the Amalekites. He disobeyed God and was reproved by Samuel (Samuel 15). Therefore, it is necessary for me to obey God no mater the circumstance. 2. Another important spiritual lesson I have learnt is tithe paying. From worshipping with tithe and offering, I am sure that I will receive a physical, material and spiritual blessing. “Bring in all the tithe and offering” said God “and prove if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing upon you… and I will rebuke the devourer for your name sake (Malachi 3:9-12). Tithe paying is in obedience to the word of God and should be practice by all. I remember being faithful to tithe paying and one month when my budget could not match up to what I owed God provided a way by letting me get tax refund I did not signed up for. 3. Abraham life style has also taught me that worship is important, and it should be done anywhere and anytime. “God is a Spirit and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in truth” (John 4: 24 KJV). God made man in his image and his likeness (Gen. 1:27), therefore man must pay obeisance to his creator. Abraham and other noble men of old have set the pace therefore, it is incumbent on me to follow suit. When we had no where to worship we did it where we could find audience. 4. There are times when I doubted the Lord in carrying through His promise, when his promise is fulfilled, I really felt bad that I doubted God. For example, currently I am suffering from a terrible back pain, and God told people that He is going to heal me; however, because the pain is so severe and I am not seeing the result I am expecting I tend to doubt. Abraham learnt a lesson about trusting and never doubting, and this has served as an example for me and for all those who are called to trust the Lord. 5. Abraham’s defense of his relative help me to realize that; I should not sit and depend on the Lord to work out every detail of my life, but I should “Put my shoulder to the wheel” and God will help me. This lesson has also taught me that “Faith without work is dead (James 2:26). 6. Finally, Abraham real test of faith when he was asked of God to sacrifice his son who was heir of the promise really left an indelible mark in my spiritual life. Abraham could have doubted the Lord for a second time; however, he learnt his lesson from the Egypt experience. God is able to do all things if we only believe. I was born and grew up in one of the poorest family; the first pair of shoe I wore was when I was ten years old. However God promised me that he would exalt and made me great if I am obedient to his words. God has been faithful to His promises and raised me from poverty to semi- wealth. When I was struggling to know God and his will for me, He told me “Before you were conceived I knew you and chose you (Jer.1:5). All this happened because I have learnt to trust God at His words. There are many experiences in my life that have taught me obedience to God, and what I have learnt is that “God is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day (2 Tim. 1:12).
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 15:51:18 +0000
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