Life of Abraham Essay Example

Introduction

Abraham was born in Chaldeans in a city called Ur. He was a successful shepherd and a dedicated farmer, things that earned him respect in his homeland. As reported in Genesis 12: 1, while Abraham lived in Haran, he received the commandment to leave his home and move to the southwest, towards an unknown destination. Together with his wife Sara and nephew Lot, he left Haran headed to the land he later learned was Canaan. Lord guided Abraham throughout the journey from one place to the other. God chose Abraham because He wanted to make a new nation out of Abram where prophets and saviors of the world would be incubated. God also says that He knew Abraham had the power to command his household and he observed the way of the lord. He ended up being the father of many generations.

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Abraham gives us an example of one that had great riches (Genesis 13: 2). However, He was a straight and faithful man as opposed to what people believed was associated with the rich. The incident between him and Lot make us see the nature of Abraham, which in many ways was similar to that of Christ. He gives his nephew Lot priority to choose his share of the inheritance first despite being the first one to be called. This act indicates that he is not a self-centered person. When he arrived at the foreign land, he survived by faith as he lived in tents. He believes God has a plan for him and finally he is rewarded. Abraham's actions teach us that having faith in Christ is beneficial to Christians who believe in Him.

The World Abraham Lived

Abraham spent his younger days in Ur where he worked in his father's idol shop. After marrying Sarah, they departed for Canaan although they ended up settling in Haran. At 75 years, Abraham with his wife and nephew Lot moved to Shechem, Canaan. After a severe famine strikes Canaan, Abraham moved to Egypt where he was expelled after presenting Sarah his wife, as his sister.

Abraham's Sons and Offspring

Abraham, the first son, was Ishmael. Abraham slept with Hagar, who was an Egyptian slave. Abraham was 86 years old by then. Sara was barren, and after waiting for many years without a baby, she encouraged Abraham to sleep with Hagar. Isaac, son of Abraham, was born through Sara when Abraham was 100 years old. He was the first of his legitimate descendants.

Isaac was the son of Abraham, stepbrother of Ishmael and father to Jacob and Esau. His birth was promised by God to Abraham and his wife Sara, after many years of marriage without offspring. The blessings granted to Abraham would have their continuity in Isaac, heir of the Covenant.

God's Covenant to Abraham

The covenant made between Abraham and God is a frequent topic in the Old Testament. Abraham is asked to do specific tasks to receive favors from God in return. The lord changed Abrams name to Abraham as a symbol of covenant. The covenant promised to multiply Abraham's descendants into a great nation ruled by one God. Abraham left his home immediately God ordered him to do so. He and his wife Sara had no children for a long time, and the action confirms the faith he had in God. The childless couple continued having faith in Christ as God continued giving him promises. Through baptism, Abraham received the gospel, which links people with God. He also won the higher priesthood and entered into the covenant by marrying Sarah. The agreement assured him a blessed generation.

Abraham and all his tribesmen were to undergo circumcision to symbolize their covenant with God. Abraham was made the father of a great nation with a condition always to obey God. All the descendants of Abraham were to be given guidance and protection. God would also provide them with the land. The rewards seemed to come with the level of loyalty people had to Him. This teaches Christian that to receive favors and blessings from God; one must get transformed through salvation. People should abandon the evil ways and adopt Christ's approach. Towards his death, he guides his son Isaac on his choice on the girl to marry. He stops Isaac from marrying a girl from another tribe. Back then, it was politically incorrect to mix tribes in ways of maintaining righteousness.

Abrahams Accomplishments

Abraham is believed by Christians to be a great patriarch of the great nation. He is considered to be the father of all Christians. He talked to God on several occasions. He also communicated with God through visions. King Melchizedek who blessed Abraham is believed to have been a manifestation of God. Abraham gave a tithe to this prince of peace. These narrations show Abraham had direct contact with the deities.

When his nephew Lot was held hostage during the battle of Siddim, Abraham bravely rescued him.

Abraham's Strengths and Weaknesses

Abraham demonstrated strong faith during the instances when God tested him. Abraham defeated king Kedorlaomer of Elam who had abducted Lot and his battalion. He recovered their goods and took them back home. This defeat shows Abraham was courageous. When famine struck, he took his family to Egypt other than just believing that God would provide.

The idea that Abraham, the great righteous man, said a lie deliberately to protect his own life has shown he had a behavior of lying while under pressure. It is quite clear that his life must have been in danger because of the beauty of her wife, Sara.

Life Lessons from the Life of Abraham

God ordered Abraham to vacate his home country, where his household was, to an unknown land. He had faith in God as he followed the commands easily without objection. Also, accepting to sacrifice His son Isaac portrays faith in God. He is later promised so much on earth. This occurrence indicates how faith in God can be rewarding. If Abraham had failed in his test, he would have lost his position in front of God as chosen to be the father of the house of Israel. Also, if God the Father had failed in a similar test, he would not have taken out the atonement, and all humankind would have been subject to Satan, who is believed to be the angel that fell from the presence God.

When Abraham is told by God to sacrifice his son, it turns out to be a test of faith. This incidence is very significant. It teaches us to be ready to be tested and punished before we can be sanctified. The act tells us why man cannot be worth to God unless he is willing to remain in the agreement even till death. This story teaches us that lord is much pleased by our obedience and faith in Him.

Abraham took quite a long time to realize God's promises, a fact that informs us that salvation is a journey made of several stages. The call of Abraham indicates that God chooses people to serve him irrespective of the weaknesses that people may have. Life of Abraham also reminds Christians to be patient after they pray as God delivers on time.