Abraham, our father in faith
8. Faith must be witnessed in the Old Testament if we want to understand it. God reveals Himself to Abraham by speaking to him and calling his name. Thus, faith takes on a very personal aspect.
9. God speaks to Abraham a call and a promise. Abraham’s faith is linked to his steps toward an unforeseen future. Abraham’s faith is a response to God’s word. Faith remembers the promise and is therefore bound up with hope. Abraham doesn’t “see;” he hopes and believes.
10. God is fidelity; so faith becomes “absolutely certain and unshakeable.” God’s Word becomes a solid rock and a straight highway. As St. Augustine explains: “Man is faithful when he believes in God and His promises; God is faithful when He grants to man what He has promised.”
11. The God Who asks Abraham for complete trust reveals Himself to be the source of all life. “Sarah your wife shall bear you a son and you shall name him Isaac” (Gen 17:19). Faith in God helps Abraham realize that his life is NOT a chance happening. Abraham is the fruit of the Creator; the Origin of all that is. The Word could raise up a son to one who was barren. And, so, the Word is a promise of a future beyond death.
Next time: The faith of Israel
Dr. Linda L. Powell 