Getting comfortable in the world.

     The story of the call of Abram holds some valuable lessons for us today. Genesis 11:25-32 records the  history of Abram's family, and also the fact that they left Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Caanan. There are several facts mentioned that are very important to the narrative. We are shown that Abram had a brother named Haran who had died while Terah, his father was living. We also see that at some point in their journey they stopped and settled in Haran, where Terah eventually dies.
     Genesis Chapter 12 starts with a call to Abram to leave His country, people and Father's houshold, to go to the land that God would show Him. Some translations of the Bible such as the KJV, and NIV put this call in the past tense-"The Lord had said to Abram" , implying that this call had come before they left Ur and travelled as far as Haran. This is the way that Stephen tells it in his speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7:2-4. Verse 4 records that after his father died, God then sent  him on his way again, a repeat of the call.
     Without trying to read too much into the text, it seems that At Abram's call, Terah decided to pack up everyone and come along. More than likely filled with grief at the loss of Haran his son, he might have thought a change would be good. His heart, not in the journey however, he soon stopped his family and settled where they were, naming that place after his son Haran. The family settled down, comfortable where they were, Abram's call was on pause. It would take the death of his father Terah, before God would say once again "Abram!"
     Reading this story brought to mind many of the New Testament scriptures dealing with the cost of Being a disciple of Christ. The verses on self denial and cross bearing, the verses that state we cannot love father or mother more than Christ. Verses that speak of leaving all for the sake of the gospel. A man wanted to follow Christ after he buried his father. Jesus reply was to let the dead bury the dead. Many people desire to follow Christ, and many begin. However they fail to count the cost. Oswald Chambers, in the classic devotional "My utmost for His Highest" writes that our obedience to Christ will cost others. It will affect family and friends close to us. They will try to persuade us down a different road. I can think of examples of individuals who gave up scolarships to a Christian College due to parental pressure, parents unwilling to see their children enter the mission field, or full time ministry. Many individuals take a stand for Christ but give in to pressure placed on them by unbelieving spouses or parents. Jesus made it clear that it would cost us all to follow Him. A relationship with Him would indeed divide families. When told that His Mother and Brothers were looking for Him He replied "Who are my Mother and Brothers? Those who do the will of My Father." While we love family, and hold friends dear, spiritual bonds must be stronger than natural bonds.
     The call of Abram was threatened and put on hold by Family and sentiment, and no doubt this has happened to countless others down through history. We can learn much by the examples given to us in scripture. When called by God once more, Abram got up and obeyed! So must we, no matter the cost.