August 9

The Pilgrim Of The Unseen

Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. — Gen 12:1-2 BSB

The beginning of this chapter is illuminated by other parts of Scripture. From Acts 7:2-5, we learn that Abram was first called to leave Ur of the Chaldees, and then later, after his father’s death in Haran, the call was repeated. It’s possible that Terah delayed Abram’s obedience. Let us support our children in following God’s call, even if it means we must let them go.

In Hebrews 11:8, we see that this Pilgrim of the Eternal stepped out into the desert, trusting God to reveal his path day by day. Like Columbus sailing into uncharted waters, Abram ventured into the unknown, unsure when or where the destination would appear.

In Romans 4, we are told that God gave these promises to Abram while he was still a Gentile. Thirty years would pass before he became the father of the Hebrew nation. Paul argues that these promises extend to all of Abram’s spiritual children—not only to those under the Law but to all who share his faith (Genesis 12:16). So, dear reader, turn back to that ancient promise and know that it includes you in its blessings! Galatians 3:8-9 and 3:14 assure us that these blessings are all summed up in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The blessing of Abraham is for all who are in Christ Jesus, as we walk in the steps of this great pilgrimage.

Though a vast gulf of time separates us from the days of Abraham, recent archaeological discoveries have shown that Ur of the Chaldees was a highly advanced civilization long before his departure. His journey of faith speaks to us across the ages!

Prayer

O God, may the great cloud of witnesses who have walked the Pilgrim Way before us inspire us to live godly lives. Help us to run with perseverance the race set before us, looking to Jesus. Amen.