COMMENTARY.
The second promise of the Messias. The words: “In thee shall all the kindred of the world be blessed” , contain the second promise of the Messias. The second promise is more explicit than the first, for it says that the Divine Redeemer shall be born of the seed of Abram.
Necessity of faith. With good reason we are told so explicitly that Abram believed God, for faith is the first and most necessary of virtues. Faith brought Abram into the Promised Land; and it is only through faith that we can attain to the promised land of heaven.
Grounds of faith. Abram believed in God, and in His word, because God is the very truth.
The characteristics of faith. The faith of Abram had all the characteristics of true faith, being entire, firm, steadfast, and living. His faith was entire, because he believed all that God told him. It was firm , because he doubted nothing, but believed unreservedly in the words of the Lord. It would have been quite natural for him to ask how it was possible for a great nation to spring from him who yet had no child; but he gave ear to no such thought, and simply stood firm by the word of God. His faith was steadfast , because he did not allow it to be shaken either by the ridicule and arguments of his unbelieving relations, or by the difficulties and dangers of the journey before him. Finally, his faith was living , because he acted up to it, and did all that God required of him.
Obedience to God. Abram’s cheerful obedience to God was a fruit of his living faith. God’s command to leave his home was not an easy one to obey, for the natural love of home and kindred is a very strong one. Moreover, God did not tell him whither He was going to lead him. He was commanded to go into an unknown country, among strange people, and was entirely ignorant as to his future fate. Nevertheless, he obeyed God’s command promptly and cheerfully. “By faith Abram obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance, and he went out not knowing whither he went” (Hebr. n, 8). He has given us a grand example of obedience, which we ought to imitate. “He that believeth God, taketh heed to the commandments” (Ecclus. 32, 28).
Application. God has not asked of you anything so hard as He asked of Abram; and yet how often you disobey Him! Whenever you tell lies, or fly into a passion, or neglect your prayers, or do not do as your parents tell you, you are disobeying God. Be sorry for your disobedience, and when you say your morning prayers, make a resolution to obey promptly and cheerfully those who are set over you.
