653. HEB 11:8-10. LEADING FEATURES IN ABRAHAM’S HISTORY

Heb_11:8-10. Leading Features in Abraham’s History

"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. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."’97Heb_11:8-10.

After God had frustrated the Babel builders, and confused their speech, sacred history refers us to the origin of distinct nations, and refers us to God choosing Abraham to be the father of the Jewish nation, and one whom he engaged to bless, and make a blessing. To this eventful period the text refers. See Gen_12:1, &c. Thus Abraham acted through the influence of faith. He believed God. He forsook all for God. He went where God directed. He considered himself but as a stranger. And finally he looked for a more fixed and abiding habitation.

I. Abraham believed God.

For this, he holds a most eminent and exalted station in the sacred pages of truth. So much so, that he has the honored appellation’97"Father of the faithful." His confidence in God was so full, and entire, and unshaken, that he was styled’97"the Friend of God."

Now, as faith is the foundation of every holy work; in proportion as this is strong and vigorous, will every virtue thrive, and flourish, and bear fruit. Like gold, it is the most precious of all metals; but we are enriched according to the abundance we possess of it. Weak faith is valuable; but strong faith gives glory to God. Weak faith will walk safely on the calm lake; but strong faith will not sink in the tempest or the storm. How desirable it is to believe God! all God says, and at all times. Faith has an eagle’s wing and an eagle’s eye. It can rise to the greatest possible elevation. It can gaze on God. It has a lion’s courage, amidst confusion and persecution,’97even when the sea roars and the earth shakes, it sits with firm security, and sings defiance to the gates of hell.

II. Abraham forsook all for God.

His own country’97his father’s house. Now in this,

1. He gave up what he possessed for that which was promised.

He had an interest in his father’s house, and his own country. These were in lands, in possessions, and doubtless were far from being despicable. He left, however, his own land, and his father’s house, for that which was named in the promise.

2. He gave up the present for the future.

Present subsistence and present patrimony, for some good to be hereafter bestowed. Now in these we see the nature of the demands religion makes. Abandonment of our carnal possessions and pleasures for those God promises. To give up the society of the world for the church. To resign present profits for future advantages. To lose sight of earth and time, for heaven and eternity. Abraham became as isolated from the world, to be united to God. A true picture of spiritual religion. We cannot enjoy the world and God. Nor love both’97nor serve both. We may use the world, but it cannot be prominent, and God be glorified.

III. He went where God directed. True religion has,

1. An ear to listen to God.

"Speak, Lord, for thy servant," &c. God spake to Abraham, and he reverentially heard the will of God propounded to him.

2. Feet of cheerful obedience.

Having heard and understood, he "obeyed." Acted as God directed. Walked as he chalked out the way. God said this is the way, and Abraham walked in it.

3. Unsuspectingly surrendered all into the Lord’s hands.

"Not knowing," &c. God knew, and this was his comfort, &c. It is not necessary for a passenger to understand navigation to reach the port, &c., in safety. Or a child to know the way, when the father holds its hand. Or the patient anatomy and medicine, when the skilful physician is present.

IV. Abraham considered himself a stranger.

As such he acted and lived. He conducted himself as a dying man, in a dying world. He knew this was not his rest, or home, or portion; and this is precisely the spirit we should feel and cherish. A little reflection might convince every one of the propriety of this. This world is merely a land of passage, probably 1,000,000,000 are ever crowding its surface, but they are all moving. "One generation passeth," &c. Some are just leaving it, others just entering; but all are moving. Human life, as a river, is ever emptying its countless drops into the ocean of eternity.

V. He looked for a more fixed and abiding habitation.

Here he recognized his own immortality. He associated with his future existence, a union with kindred spirits. He beheld above not a desert, but a city,’97the city of God’97the New Jerusalem’97the palace of Jehovah. He saw its foundations were firm; yea, firmer than rock. The very being, and purposes, and perfections of God sustaining it. Its grandeur was worthy of its artificer. "Builder and maker God." He looked for it by faith, and daily hope, and constant prayer. He reckoned upon it as his own. He lived in reference to it; and daily felt himself getting near and nearer to it.

Application

1. Have we obeyed God, and given up the sinful pursuits of the present world?

2. Are we living by faith or by sight? Abandoning present temporal gain, for future spiritual and eternal glory.

3. Urge all to set out.

4. Believers to persevere, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS