Readings: Genesis 11:31 - 12:5; Hebrews 11:8-16; Micah 6:5-8
Abraham's life represents the spiritual journey. He started the journey without guarantees about the destination. He lived in tents. Carol likened the faith required to her journey with technology. Not knowing everything about her new laptop didn't stop her from buying it, and won't stop her from starting the journey of discovery required to learn and know more.
I reflected on two key moments in Abraham's life:
1. The Call. Abraham began the pilgramage without a clear knowledge of God. He heard his name being spoken. And he began the journey. This represents one of the most valuable things Christianity has contributed to humna history. Individuality. If God calls us by name then the Source of all Life recognises and affirms our individual value. The basis of all Human Rights. That is why people of the Christian faith spear-headed the movement to end slavery.
2. The Question. Abraham's geographical journey from Ur to Canaan, represents his journey of discovery in relationship with God. His journey was motivated by the questions: What is God like? and What does God require of me?
Abraham didn't always get it right. At one time he clearly heard God asking him to sacrifice his only son Issac. (child sacrifice was common amongst the grouping living in that area in that time.) But God intervenes to affirm that this kind of sacrifice is not what he requires. The prophet Micah confirms this growing conviction: He has shown humanity what is required... to act justily, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
So, the question for us is: Do we think we've arrived? Pilgrim faith never claims arrival! Pilgrim faith is humbly walking, seeking justice (although it may never be fully achived) and living compassion along the way...
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