November 27, 2022

Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

Already, God had begun calling Abram. Notice that He had said… This calling was a call to make an exit from the surrounding fallen culture. Our fallen human nature has a tendency to succumb to gravity—the gravity of sin—ever moving in a downward direction. But the good news is that there is a tender voice of pure love that beckons us heavenward. All who are listening and heeding will catch glorious glimpses of that place: the land that God promised . . . “a land that I will show you.”

The pattern of being called out of the surrounding culture, even in Abram’s day, was not new. Noah, referred to by Peter as a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), preached for a hundred and twenty years as he built the ark. This was God’s emphatic call to all people to leave their corrupted ways behind and escape the coming judgement.

We all need spiritual leadership which God richly provides by His Holy Spirit. But have I considered that God desires that I would be a spiritual leader, pointing others toward the Savior? Abram’s call was not to abandon his family and country, but to become God’s obedient servant—and thereby become God’s instrument to lead others heavenward. Too often we will argue with Him, saying that our obedience will hurt others. But this is only a pretense of thinking of others. The absolute best “gift” we can give to those around us is undiluted obedience to the Lord. His blessings are meant to spill over into the lives of others.

“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.” (v.2)

It is the voice of Love that calls. Beloved, do you hear that voice? Love awakens love! And as your love for Him grows, He will show you more and more…

But as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10a