Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/95



The second  promise  of  the  Messias.  The  words: “In  thee  shall  all the kindred  of  the  world  be  blessed”, contain  the  second  promise  of the  Messias. The second  promise  is  more  explicit  than  the  first,  for it says  that  the  Divine  Redeemer  shall  be  born  of  the  seed  of  Abram.

Necessity of  faith. With  good reason  we  are  told  so  explicitly that Abram  believed  God,  for  faith  is  the  first  and  most  necessary of virtues. Faith brought  Abram  into  the  Promised  Land;  and  it  is only  through  faith  that  we  can  attain  to  the  promised  land  of  heaven.

Grounds of  faith.  Abram  believed  in  God,  and  in  His  word, because God  is  the  very  truth.

The characteristics  of  faith.  The  faith  of  Abram  had  all  the characteristics of  true  faith,  being  entire,  firm,  steadfast,  and  living. His faith  was  entire, because  he  believed  all  that  God  told  him. It was firm, because  he  doubted  nothing,  but  believed  unreservedly  in  the words of  the  Lord. It would  have  been  quite  natural  for  him  to  ask how it  was  possible  for  a great  nation  to  spring  from  him  who  yet had no  child;  but  he  gave  ear  to  no  such  thought,  and  simply  stood firm by  the  word  of  God. His faith  was  steadfast, because  he  did  not allow it  to  be  shaken  either  by  the  ridicule  and  arguments  of  his  unbelieving relations,  or  by  the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  the  journey before him. Finally, his  faith  was  living, because  he  acted  up  to  it, and did  all  that  God  required  of  him.

Obedience to  God.  Abram’s  cheerful  obedience  to  God  was  a fruit of his  living  faith. God’s command  to  leave  his  home  was  not  an  easy one to  obey,  for  the  natural  love  of  home  and  kindred  is  a very  strong one. Moreover, God  did  not  tell  him  whither  He  was  going  to  lead him. He was  commanded  to  go  into  an  unknown  country,  among strange people,  and  was  entirely  ignorant  as  to  his  future  fate. Nevertheless, he obeyed  God’s  command  promptly  and  cheerfully. “By faith Abram obeyed  to  go  out  into  a place  which  he  was  to  receive  for  an inheritance,  and  he  went  out  not  knowing  whither  he  went”  (Hebr.  n,  8). He has  given  us  a grand  example  of  obedience,  which  we  ought  to imitate. “He that  believeth  God,  taketh  heed  to  the  commandments” (Ecclus. 32,  28).

God has  not  asked  of  you  anything  so  hard as He  asked  of  Abram;  and  yet  how  often  you  disobey  Him! Whenever you  tell  lies,  or  fly  into  a passion,  or  neglect  your prayers, or  do  not  do  as  your  parents  tell  you,  you  are  disobeying God. Be sorry  for  your  disobedience,  and  when  you  say  your morning prayers,  make  a resolution  to  obey  promptly  and  cheerfully those  who  are  set  over  you.