the call to go

Genesis 12


 ¹ The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you."

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Where Terah had previously set out towards Canaan apparently on his own initiative, Abram received a direct call from God.  This time it is Yahweh behind the movement.

It is YHWH - the LORD - who calls to Abram,calling him away from his identity - his father's house, his country, and his people.  (This would also mean a switching of allegiance from the territorial gods whom Abram was familiar with.)  This is a calling from YHWH himself - to a new land, one which will be revealed to Abram when he reaches it.  Abram is called to set out on a journey that is unmapped - a journey relying on the guiding hand of God.

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On this Good Friday we reflect on how God sent his Son to a land in need of him, away from his heavenly dwelling, his father's house.  How Jesus died on a 'cursed' cross, in order to bring others blessing and salvation.  The movement of God here is a deliberate act - intervening in a unique and powerful way to achieve a once-for-all sacrifice, bringing hope to all the world.