Abraham: “a friend of God”! (James 2:23) God spoke and he believed. But that was not the end of the matter for Abraham. What else marked his character enabling him to be referred to as “a friend of God”?
The Hebrew writer noted the following regarding this great man of faith.
“(8) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (9) By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. . . . (17) By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, (18) of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ (19) He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:8-10 & 17-19 ESV)
Can we read that passage without saying, “Wow!”? Abraham believed God and obeyed. Is it possible to believe without obeying? Well, James indicated it is possible. (James 2:19) However, what better reveals true belief than an eager willingness to submit and obey? Abraham obeyed and went where God led. He obeyed and was ready to offer the son God had promised to provide. Abraham’s obedience passed the test and revealed the genuineness of his trusting faith in God.
How about our own obedience? How well do we face the tests presented in this life? Do we pass in a way which reveals our true friendship with God? Or do our choices reflect more of a friendship with the world?
Jesus warned. . .
“(21) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ (23) And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)
Our belief must be more than mere lip service, but the obedience must still be in accordance with the Will of God! True obedience is doing His Will!
Abraham obeyed God! Through Abraham came the fulfillment of a blessing for all nations; a son and a heritage traced to the coming of Jesus, the One through Whom all can receive God’s greatest blessings. Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Hebrews 5:9 ESV) How truly we must understand how faith and works are inseparable. (James 2:17, 20, 26)
There should be no question regarding the need for obedience. Jesus told His own disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14 ESV) As “a friend of God” we should seek to please Him. In order to do so we, like Abraham, must believe and obey! May we continue to focus on our part in maintaining the friendship with God.
Have a great day EAGER TO DO GOD’S WILL!
Carl
