By Faith Abraham

The Christian life is a journey (as John Bunyan well described it). The life of Abraham illustrates that. It involves leaving something behind, and there can be many reasons for doing so. It is more than obedience to authority, for it is part of a covenant relationship with God. It also involves faith and hope. There are stages in the journey. The start may be the result of God's personal call; or it may be triggered by fear of judgement, or by the facts of the gospel. Questions may arise about our right to journey, or about whether God will accept us. But faith is resolute - must get to heaven somehow. For Abraham, the Promised Land was more than Canaan - it was heaven. While in Canaan he enjoyed the blessing of God, but he was a stranger and pilgrim. Likewise the Christian will inherit the earth, so he enjoys the Father's gifts, but the expectation is of something beyond the resurrection. The end is certain because God has promised it. He cannot let himself down by failing those who trust him. So "God is not ashamed to be called their God for he has prepared a city for them".