Genesis 12

“The Lord said to Abram: ‘Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation; I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

When Abram was 75, God called him. This moment is known in Hebrew as “Lech L’Cha,” which means “Go!” or “Leave!” It is considered to be the official beginning of the Jewish people.

This moment is important to all mankind because Abram’s faithful response resulted in his fruitless (childless) seed taking root and bearing a child (Isaac), whose offspring grew into the nation of Israel. Through Israel, God designed for Messiah to be brought forth. Through Messiah, all who believe in Him by faith (as Abram) receive atonement for their sins. Turning from our sin and committing to follow Jesus is how we become eternally “saved”...the true people of God. The gift of God toward mankind is that our faith in Jesus’ righteous atonement would be counted as if WE were righteousness, although we each sin and are by no means righteous. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:10)

Abram was asked to leave three things: Land, Relatives, and his Father’s house. Interestingly, these are the main influences that mold a person’s thoughts & actions. In a spiritual (and sometimes physical) sense, we are all called by God to cut ourselves entirely adrift from all associations that could possibly hinder our completion of the mission God calls us to.

But God’s call to “Leave!” comes with blessings attached.

Jesus said, “I assure you, there is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers, parents or children because of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more at this time and eternal life in the ages to come.” Luke 18:29-30

Notice that God calls Abram to no certain place: The land I will show you. Of course, God knew where He was taking Abraham. Abram’s great faithful act was to simply trust the Lord’s voice, contrary to his own understanding or personal wisdom. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Are you struggling with whether to trust the Lord? I’ll tell you by experience it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do…but Jesus has prepared a specific place to lead the faithful to. I am not speaking exclusively about Heaven. He has also set aside work for each of us in this life; He has given us a Kingdom purpose. Let’s respond as Abram (and Jesus’ first disciples) did: Leave everything and follow Him. (Luke 5:11)