THE PILGRIM OF THE UNSEEN

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. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. (Genesis 12:1-2 NKJV)

The clue to the beginning of this chapter is given in various parts of the Bible. From Acts 7:2-5, we learn that the call to Abram to go forth, which originally came in Ur of the Chaldees, was repeated in Haran, after his father's death. Probably Terah delayed his son's obedience. Let us help our children to realize God's call, even though we are left lonely on the other side of the river.

In Hebrews 11:8, we realize that this Pilgrim of the eternal stepped out on the wide expanse of the desert, only learning his course day by day; he was like a Columbus, sailing month after month through unknown seas, never knowing at what moment the dim outline of the shore might appear.

In Romans 4, we are told that these promises were assured to Abram while still a Gentile. Thirty years passed before he became the founder of the Hebrew nation. The Apostle therefore argues that these promises are guaranteed to all his children, not only to those under the Law, but also to us who have his faith (Genesis 12:16). Turn back, my reader, to that ancient page, and realize that it includes you in its amplitude of blessing! Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:9, Galatians 3:14, assures us that all these blessings are included in the one gift of the Holy Spirit. The blessing of Abraham is for all of us who are in Christ Jesus, as we walk in the steps of this great pilgrimage.

A vast gulf of time lies between us and the ancient days of Abraham's life; but recent discoveries have shown that Ur of the Chaldees enjoyed a high state of civilization a thousand years before his exodus. His experiences and ours meet across the gulf of ages!

PRAYER

Dear God, may the great cloud of witnesses, who have trodden the pilgrim way before us, be to us an example of a godly life, so that we may run with patience the unknown race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus. For it is in his name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #221:
Trust in Me and do not be afraid of what others can do to you.

Psalm 56:11 (WEB)
I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. 
What can man do to me?