Far from Ur!

Reading: Hebrews 11:8-19

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8)

Abraham stands out for his unquestioning faith and unequivocal obedience. He is not only the father of those who believe, but also a pattern for those who want to obey (Rom 4:11,12). The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews begins the biography of this remarkable man with the striking words, "By faith Abraham obeyed" (Heb 11:8). Then he goes on to explain Abraham's obedient faith and believing obedience from God's viewpoint.

Abraham said bye to paganism when he walked out of Ur. The Chaldeans were worshipping gods of gold (Dan 3:8-12; 5:4). But now, "the God of glory" appeared to him (Acts 7:2). In obedience he totally turned "to God from idols to serve the living and true god" (1 Thess 1:9). Many a Christian has ruined his life because of disobedience to God's uncompromising call to separation. We just don't realize how crucial separation is to godly living. But God challenges us, "What accord has Christ with Belial? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?... Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord... I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor 6:14-18).

The Greek word for "Church" is ecclesia which means the company of those called out. The come-outers constitute the Church. This truth is underlined throughout the Scriptures. David began his Psalm pointing out the blessedness of separation (Psa 1:1). Peter's Pentecostal sermon ended with the words, "Be saved from this crooked generation" (Acts 2:40). The first page of the Bible speaks of the division between light and darkness. The last page stresses the difference between the insiders and the outsiders. There can be no fellowship between the two. Though we are "in" the world, we are not "of" the world. It's not running away from the world, but releasing our minds and hearts from the captivating ways of the corrupt world. We must behave as "strangers and pilgrims... in a foreign country" (Heb 11:13,9). The world will certainly hate us for that (Jn 15:18,19). But this is the basic cost of a life of obedience.

Go, ere the clouds of sorrow steal o'er the bloom of youth;

Defer not till tomorrow, go now, and buy the truth-

Go, seek thy great Creator, learn early to be wise;

Go, place upon His altar a morning sacrifice!