Bright and shining lights in the Bible #15

Scripture: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went,” Hebrews 11:8.

Stream or download Bright and shining lights in the Bible #15


We return to our study of this verse. We noted last time that it was God’s call that started Abraham in his journey to heaven. He became a friend of God. I read of this yesterday, 2 Chron 20:7. So it is with all who would go to heaven. We must obey God’s call and walk obediently with Him as our Friend.

1. He obeyed God not knowing where he was going. “He went out, not knowing whither he went.” That is faith at work! How little we know of where we are going. 1 Cor 13:12. The Lord reveals His will and purpose to us progressively, Genesis 12:5-7.

2. He believed that he would receive as an inheritance the place he was going to. That is a reference to the land of Israel. “And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him,” Gen 12:7. It has been given to Abraham and to his children FOREVER! Jer 7:6.

A. We can see in the present conflict between Israel and her Arab enemies just how much God’s will and purpose amongst men is hated and rejected.

B. Sadly, there are many Christians who would say that God has no purpose for the people of Israel since they rejected Christ.

C. That is wrong. The events of AD 70 and the judgment of God upon Israel may be seen in Luke 21:24.
Note the word ‘until’! There is an end to the rejection presently experienced by Israel. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins,” Romans 11:25-27. Here is Israel’s hope and heritage!