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Abram was the first in his lineage to be called, and his influence can be found in the roots of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The name Abram means “exalted father,” while Abraham means “father of many nations.” He hailed from a wealthy family in Ur of the Chaldeans, but the people there did not serve God. When Abram’s father passed away, the call came for him to leave Ur for Canaan. Though he had initially stopped in Haran, he eventually made his way to Canaan at the age of 75. Sometimes, God must call us more than once, and our procrastination should not hinder our response to His call.
Why did God choose Abram? It wasn’t because he was theologically trained, had studied the Bible, was young, or had a large family. Rather, it was because of his faith, willingness to obey God’s commands, and leadership abilities. Abram wasn’t perfect, but he was committed to God with his whole heart.
When God calls us, He calls us away from certain things and towards others. Abram was called away from his comfortable home and his country’s culture to a land he had never seen. He had faith, however, and went anyway. Despite never owning land except for a burial plot, God called him to a legacy. Abram lived and died in faith, knowing that he would be a channel through which God’s promise would be fulfilled.
To follow in Abram’s footsteps, we must choose commitment over contentment, faith over family, legacy over luxury, and to bless rather than to be blessed. Our vocation is our calling from God, and everything we have and do should be devoted to Christ.