The Sunday Mail
Tawonashe Mukumbira
My Perspective
NO greater praise could be given to any mortal man than to say he is the friend of God.
This is no ordinary encomium, three times in God’s book, Abraham is called the friend of God.
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. . . art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend forever?” (2 Chro.20:7).
“But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,” (Isa. 41:8).
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God,”(James 2:23).
We want to trace out some of the predominant characteristics which were resident in Abraham’s life. There is no doubt that when these same traits are transferred to our lives, we will become God’s friends.
Christ said: “…..ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you…”(John 15:14)
Faithfulness
When we think of Abraham we think of faith, he was the father of the faithful. In that great catalogue of ancient worthies mentioned in Hebrews 11, Abraham’s faith was mentioned.
“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.” (Heb. 11:8- 10)
We have an account of this call of Abraham in Genesis 12. The key word being “obey”.
The test of our faith comes in our obedience, “…by faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure”(Heb. 11:17-19).
We read of this test of Abraham’s faith in Genesis 22. Abraham did not stagger at the promise of God. Abraham believed God, may we have the faith of Abraham.
Prompt actions
Abraham not only obeyed God, he did so promptly. Mankind usually procrastinates. but to be a friend of God, one must not only obey, they must obey promptly.
Devotion
Abraham was always devoted to God.
This verse puts it into perspective, “…and there he builded an altar unto the Lord.” (Gen. 12:8)
We need to build more altars. There should be an altar in every home. We should find time to worship around this family altar. We need more altars in our places of business. Christians should carry their devotions into various walks of life. Others ought to see the will of God through us.
Love and peace
Abraham was a man of peace. When there was strife between his herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen, he said unto Lot: “…let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren” (Gen. 13:8).
He went on to say “…is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the lefthand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left…”
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” (Matt. 5:9), “…..If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men,” (Rom. 12:18).
It is almost impossible to live peacefully with some people but do not forget this, “as much as lieth in you.”
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14) “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11)
God is still the God of love and peace.
Loyalty
Abraham remained loyal and true to God although he grew up among the heathen who practiced superstitions. Through all this, he did not yield to these practices. Among the faithless and corrupt, he remained steadfast.
Hospitality
It is refreshing to read of Abraham’s genuine hospitality as recorded in Genesis 18.
He ran out from his tent door to meet three strangers, inviting them to come and rest under the tree. Some water was brought to wash their tired and weary feet.
Then he went into his tent and had Sarah prepare some cakes on the hearth. He also went to the herd to get a tender and good calf and gave it to some young men to dress. He also took butter and milk and set the refreshments before them. This is a lesson in hospitality for us.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares . . . ” (Heb 13:2)
Unselfishness
Abraham cared and interceded for others, even his extended family. When Sodom was at the brink of destruction, he begged and pleaded with the angels to spare Lot and his family.
Abraham was always thinking of others. When God revealed unto him that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, this drove this grand old patriarch to his knees, pleading earnestly on behalf of the righteous.
Ten righteous people would have been the physical salvation of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. Of course, they could not be found.
There are millions on the earth today who know not God. We cannot afford to be indifferent to this condition. We should arise in the strength of Israel’s God and preach the gospel to every creature.
The salvation of souls should weigh heavily upon the heart of every true follower of the Lord. By doing that, we shall be able to save some.
Tawonashe Mukumbira writes in his personal capacity. Email feedback to [email protected]
