Abraham's Call

[Shimon]

Now AD’NAI said to Abram, ‘Get going out [lech lecha] from your land, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.’”

• Genesis 12:1, Tree of Life Version

Abraham, addressed as “Abram,” since this was before he received his new name, was called to venture out “to a land that I will show you.” The Hebrew phrase “lech lecha,” literally, means “go for yourself.” This implies that he is to go for his own benefit; albeit, this is not a selfish gesture that the L’RD is advocating for Abraham; rather, he was to be made into a great nation, his name was to be great, and he himself would be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2).

Additionally, the L’RD said to him, “My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3, TLV). This latter promise that the “families of the earth be blessed” through him hints towards his new name, Abraham (Father of Nations). “The Scriptures, having foreseen that G’d would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the Good News to Abraham in advance, saying ‘All the nations shall be blessed through you'” (Galatians 3:8, TLV).

 

 

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going.”

• Hebrews 11:8, Tree of Life Version

I imagine that Abraham must have been grateful for his calling; he was content to start a new life under the guidance of the one true G'd, although he himself never permanently settled in the land of Canaan that was bequethed to his descendants. “For he was waiting for the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is G’d” (Hebrews 11:10, TLV).

We are also called, “lech lecha,” for the betterment of our own souls, in accord with the L’RD’s guidance. “And to him that ordereth his way aright will I show the salvation of G'd” (Psalm 50:23). When we depend on G’d to guide our footsteps, we will see the fruition of His plans for us. “A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the L’RD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Ultimately, we have the opportunity to see ourselves as sojourners as well; may we look forward to the promise of entering the Kingdom. "Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors" (Psalm 24:7, TLV).


Being called, like Abraham to pursue a journey within the framework of the Besorah (Good News), one that leads to the “land of promise,” wherein our inheritance through Messiah is received, we are truly blessed to partake of this journey of faith.

Edited October 26, 2020 by Shimon
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