Introduction
The call of Abraham is one of the most powerful and foundational moments in the entire story of God’s dealings with humanity. Through Abraham, God set into motion His plan of redemption, establishing a covenant that would bless all the nations of the earth. For every disciple of God today, Abraham’s response to God’s call is a living testimony of faith, obedience, and trust.
God’s Call Comes with Purpose
The Scriptures remind us of Abraham’s calling in Genesis 12:1-3 (KJV):
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
When God called Abraham, He gave a clear instruction: leave behind the familiar and follow Him into the unknown. The call was not simply about relocation, but transformation. God was not only moving Abraham geographically but spiritually, taking him from the security of man’s systems to dependence on divine providence.
As disciples, the call of Abraham teaches us that when God calls, He does so with a divine purpose. The Lord does not call without intention; He calls to separate, to transform, and to bless—not only the individual but also generations through them.
The Call Requires Obedience
Abraham’s story reveals the centrality of obedience. Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) says:
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
Abraham’s greatness was not in his wealth or his possessions but in his obedience. He left behind his homeland, culture, and comfort zones because he trusted the voice of God. His obedience became the foundation upon which the covenant was established.
For disciples today, this is a reminder that God’s call often requires us to leave behind certain attachments, habits, or environments. Obedience may not always make sense logically, but faith sees beyond the natural and rests in God’s promises.
The Call Comes with Promises
When God called Abraham, He gave him seven promises:
- “I will make of thee a great nation.”
- “I will bless thee.”
- “I will make thy name great.”
- “Thou shalt be a blessing.”
- “I will bless them that bless thee.”
- “I will curse him that curseth thee.”
- “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Each promise carried eternal weight. These promises were not just for Abraham but also for his descendants and ultimately fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah. Galatians 3:29 (KJV) reminds us: “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
As disciples, we are spiritual heirs of Abraham’s blessings. The same God who fulfilled His promises to Abraham is faithful to fulfill His promises in our lives.
The Call Is a Journey of Faith
Abraham’s call was not a one-time act but a lifelong journey. God’s dealings with him stretched over decades, testing and strengthening his faith. From leaving Haran to receiving the promise of Isaac, Abraham had to trust God even when circumstances seemed impossible.
Romans 4:20-21 (KJV):
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
This teaches disciples that the call of God is not the end but the beginning of a faith journey. Walking with God is a daily commitment to trust, even when the promise seems delayed. The faith that Abraham demonstrated is the same faith required of every disciple today.
The Call Demands Separation
God told Abraham to separate himself from his country, kindred, and father’s house. Separation was necessary for God’s covenant to manifest. Likewise, as disciples, we cannot walk in God’s call while clinging to the world’s values.
2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV):
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
Separation does not mean isolation but consecration. God sets us apart so that we may be fully available for His purpose. Abraham’s life shows us that divine calling always involves leaving behind what hinders us from fully following God.
The Call Brings Blessings Through Sacrifice
Abraham’s call was not without tests. The greatest test came when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. Genesis 22:2 (KJV):
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
Abraham obeyed, showing that he trusted God even when the command seemed contradictory to the promise. In the end, God provided a ram and renewed His covenant with Abraham.
For disciples, this reveals that God’s call often involves sacrifice. Sometimes, He asks us to surrender what we love most to prove our trust in Him. But every sacrifice made in obedience leads to a greater blessing.
The Call Extends Beyond Us
One of the most profound truths about Abraham’s call is that it was not just for him but for the world. Through him, all nations would be blessed. Disciples must remember that God’s call is not only personal but also missional.
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV):
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Just as Abraham’s obedience blessed generations, our obedience to God’s call today impacts lives beyond our immediate circle. Our faith, obedience, and witness can bring salvation and hope to others.
Conclusion
The call of Abraham stands as a timeless example for every disciple. It shows us that God calls with purpose, requires obedience, and makes promises that He is faithful to fulfill. It reminds us that the journey of faith demands separation, sacrifice, and trust in God’s provision.
Like Abraham, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. We are called to trust in the promises of God, even when circumstances seem contrary. We are called to be a blessing to others and to carry forward God’s mission in the world.
Let us, therefore, respond to God’s call with the same faith and obedience Abraham demonstrated. For the God who called Abraham is the same God who calls us today, and His promises are still true.
Romans 4:23-24 (KJV):
“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.”