Abraham

God said to Abraham: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” Even though he did not know where he was going, Abraham obeyed right away.

A Step of Faith

Abraham packed up his tents, his flocks, and his family and set out. He believed with all his heart that God would guide him.

As the flocks of Abraham and of his nephew Lot grew, their herdsmen began to quarrel over the pastures.

A Generous Heart

Abraham did not quarrel. He said to Lot: “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee.” He let Lot choose first. Lot chose the well-watered plain of the Jordan, and Abraham was left with the drier land, but God blessed him.

Although Abraham and Sarah were old and had no children, one night God brought Abraham outside under the starry sky.

Looking Up at the Sky

“Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them… So shall thy seed be.” That was God’s promise. Abraham believed the Lord, and God counted his faith as righteousness.

In the heat of the day, Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent. Suddenly he saw three travelers standing nearby.

Hospitality from the Heart

He ran to meet them, invited them to rest in the shade, washed their feet, and prepared a fine meal for them. One of the guests was the Lord Himself, who promised again that within a year Abraham and Sarah would have a son.

At the time God had set, Sarah gave birth to a son in her old age. They named him Isaac, which means laughter, or joy.

The Joy of a Promise Kept

Isaac’s birth proved that God always keeps His promises, no matter how long the waiting lasts.

God gave Abraham the greatest test of faith. Abraham was ready to give God what was dearest to him, his son Isaac.

God Provides

Just as he raised his hand, the angel of the Lord stopped him: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad… now I know that thou fearest God.” Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket and offered it in place of his son.