SHABBAT MESSAGE: JANUARY 20, 2024
Brothers and sisters in Yeshua,
The Journey of Faith: Abraham to the Messianic Age
Introduction
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” - Hebrews 11:8
The journey of faith is a profound and personal one. It is a path marked by trials, triumphs, and deep transformation. Our guide for this journey is Abraham, the father of faith, whose life serves as a blueprint for our own spiritual journey.
The Call of Abraham
“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” - Genesis 12:1-3
Abraham’s journey began with a call. A call to leave the familiar behind and step into the unknown. This was a call to trust, to obey, and to embrace a new identity. As we reflect on our own call to faith, let us consider what we have been called to leave behind and the new identity we have been called to embrace.
The Test of Faith
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’” - Genesis 22:1-2
Faith is not just about believing in God but also trusting Him in difficult times. Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This story is a powerful reminder that faith involves surrender, sacrifice, and absolute trust in God’s promises.
Divine Guidance
“And he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” - Exodus 3:6
Just as God guided Abraham, He also guided Moses through the wilderness. God’s guidance is a constant theme in the journey of faith. As we navigate our own wilderness periods, let us remember that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
The New Covenant
“‘Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD.’” - Jeremiah 31:31-32
The journey of faith leads us to the promise of a New Covenant, a promise of a relationship with God that is not based on our ability to keep the law, but on God’s grace. This is the promise of the Messianic Age, a time when the law will be written on our hearts and we will all know God personally.
Conclusion
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” - Hebrews 11:3
As we reflect on our journey of faith, let us remember the faith of Abraham and the promise of the Messianic Age. Let us continue to walk in faith, trusting in the promises of God.
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Shalom!