Abraham — “The Friend Of God”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn the New Testament, Abraham is described as the father of the faithful (Romans 4:11; Gal. 3:6-7) and “the friend of God” (James 2:23-NKJV). Abraham demonstrated several characteristics in his life that we would do well to emulate, so that we too might be “the friends of God.”
Abraham’s Demonstration Of Faith And Obedience
Nearly every action in Abraham’s life demonstrated his great faith in and obedience to God. For example, When the Lord called him, he left his country and countrymen never to return (Genesis 12:1; Hebrews 11:8-10). He believed God’s promise of a son though such a birth was naturally impossible (Genesis 17:15-22; Genesis 21:1-5; Romans 4:18-21). He cast out a son, Ishmael, when Sarah and God commanded it (Genesis 21:9-14). He was even willing to offer Isaac, the son of promise, when God required it (Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:17-19). Whatever God wanted Abraham to do, he did. Whether it was leaving his homeland, casting out one son or sacrificing another, he obeyed God without question or qualm. Because of his great faith and obedience, he enjoyed God’s blessing (Genesis 22:3-18).
Abraham’s Devotion To God
In Genesis 18:19-NKJV, God states one of the reasons He was able to bless Abraham so abundantly and regard him as His friend. He said, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” Abraham’s devotion to God not only caused him to walk obediently, but also allowed him to influence others, especially those in his own house, to do the same.
Abraham As Peacemaker
In situations where strife could have occurred and then escalated, Abraham seemed able to defuse them (cf. Genesis 13:1-13). There was one key trait in his character that caused him to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) – he regarded others better than self (Philippians 2:3-4). His unselfish nature is not only seen in giving his nephew Lot first choice of land in which to pasture his flocks and herds (Genesis 13:9), but also in his willingness to intercede for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-23). Even though they were wicked, Abraham was concerned for them, and did what he could to spare them from God’s judgment which came upon them. The hospitality he gives to the three men, who are angels of God, in Genesis 18:1-8 also shows his regard for others. Though he does not know these men, he generously provides for their needs. Since Christians are to be “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13), the writer of the book of Hebrews uses this incident in the life of Abraham to emphasize this responsibility: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2-NKJV).
Abraham As Pilgrim and Sojourner
Christians are to be pilgrims and sojourners in this life, living in the world but not being of the world (John 17:14-16). Again, Abraham is our example – “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10). As he looked “for a city,” we must ever be looking to heaven and the things that are above (Colossians 3:1-3) realizing that, even now, our real citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20-NKJV).
Conclusion:
Because Abraham lived as “the friend of God” while on earth, he now lives in Paradise (Luke 16:23-31). Since God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35), we can have that same hope if we will live the same kind of faithful life (1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 2:10). Let’s all follow the example of faithful Abraham, doing what is necessary to be among those who can be called “the friends of God” (John 15:14-NKJV).