Calling Toward

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.”

Genesis 12:1

God calls us to something, not just away from something. When he called Abraham to leave the land of his birth, it was so he could give him the Promised Land. When God called his people out of Egypt, it was so he could bring them into Canaan. He is always calling us to the place where his provision awaits us. God’s commands are, in the end, always related to his promises. He commands an obedience that will clear the way for his promised provision.

Notice the structure of the command he issued to Abraham and the corresponding structure of the promise: in Genesis 12:1, “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘[1] Leave your native country, [2] your relatives, and [3] your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” The command does not end with what Abraham must leave behind. It commands him to possess and embrace what lies ahead. “Let go of what is in your hand right now so that your hand will be ready to grasp what I am about to give you.”

Now, look at the promises in Genesis 12:2-3: “[1] I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and [2] make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. [3] All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” This was not sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice, but rather sacrifice for the sake of something more. When God’s call comes, don’t let yourself dwell on what you might be called to leave behind. Instead, fix your heart on what you will be receiving into your life.

Jesus, I eagerly follow you. Give me the wisdom to let go of the baubles in my hand and reach out for the treasures of the Kingdom. Help me to trust your promise when it comes wrapped in a call.

When Christ calls us by his grace we ought not only to remember what we are, but we ought also to think of what he can make us.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon(1834–1892), English preacher and writer