Parashat Lech Lecha

Parashat Lech Lecha
Gen 12: 1-17:27; Isa 40:27 – 41:16; Matthew 1:1-17

Abraham was not a visionary, not a sage immersed within mystical contemplation, not an erudite philosopher, not a fanatic or exalted prophet. He was, quite simply, a man, a seeker after truth with a generous heart and a fervent soul. Abram's religion was not limited to prayers, beliefs, rituals, or mortifications. It was first and foremost made up of devotion, ceaseless devotion despite all obstacles. Abram's religion demands the complete self. (Rabbi Munk)

We are the children of Abraham if we practice the faith of Abraham. 

One of the reasons that we find ourselves so drawn to Abraham and his faith is the fact that he was every bit a human as we are. He did not have advanced theological degrees from a university, nor did he necessarily have holy, God-fearing parents to guide him and teach him. Yet, the Torah singles him out distinctly from his family as one of the remnant of his generation who would carry on the godly line of humanity from Seth through Noach to him.

Furthermore, the Torah records some of his shortcomings as well as some of his greatness. Most agree, for example, that Abram should have been completely upfront with Pharaoh in Genesis 12:10-20 regarding the identity of Sarai. In addition, it does appear that when it seemed like no promised heir was forthcoming from his aged wife Sarai, Abram took matters into his own hands and sought an heir through Hagar-which was culturally acceptable. Yet, mistakes all aside, in reality, it was because Abram was taking God's promise to be a father of many nations seriously, which prompted him to seek an heir.

It is a tribute to Abram that he is cited several times in the Apostles as a man of faith. Shaul of Tarsus uses him as an example of one who totally relied on God for hi righteousness. The Scriptures clearly teach that anyone who is truly justified by faith, always lives a life which is characterized by an ongoing daily walk of faith, manifesting itself by righteous living consistent with the holiness of God. Because of this, James also cites Abram as a man who, because he was justified by faith, lived a life of consistent good works.

Perhaps the most poetic tribute to Abraham is found in Hebrews 11:8-12, the faith hall of fame. Here, Abraham and his wife Sarah are recognized as people who "considered Him faithful who had made the promise." In this same passage, Abraham is also commended for his faith in following the Lord to a strange country because, "...he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)

This shows that it was not merely a physical tract of land which Abraham was seeking when he followed the Lord, but ultimately, it was the very abode of HaShem Himself to which Abraham was sojourning. As children of Abraham, we are all seeking the city "whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)

We live in a fallen reality where wickedness is called good and good is called evil. In order to live a blameless and moral life – in order to let our light shine forth into the darkness – we need to practice the faith of Abraham.

He is our role model, the father of faith and the father of all who believe.