As the first book of the Bible, Genesis sets the unprecedented tone for the saga of religion and faith which would follow in its wake. Within the early verses of Genesis lies the first ever mention of a prophet within the bible – a man named Abraham.
Abraham is mentioned as the head of an extended family, along with his wife Sarah and an unnamed father. He is described as a nomad, wandering the lands of Canaan and what is now called the Eastern Mediterranean region. It is here that Abraham was called upon by God to make a covenant with him, and carry on his journey to finding the promised land.
Haematologist Dr. Arthur Jobson explains, “In modern terminology, we would refer to Abraham’s mission as his personal pilgrimage. He was not just journeying geographically, but also spiritually, as he was gradually being called to do God’s will and ultimately form the religion which we now know as Judaism.”
The historical roots of Abraham’s journey go back to the Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia in around 2,000 BC – a civilization whose language, religion and culture heavily influenced Abraham and the Biblical account of his life.
In his divine mission, God commanded Abraham to travel from place to place, propagating faith in Him. It was on this journey that he also encountered God’s messenger, the Archangel Gabriel, who delivered the Lord’s Word to him. This event has since become one of the defining instances of prophecy in the Bible, where the messenger of God is brought down to earth to deliver divine wisdom.
While Abraham is referred to as the ‘Father of Faith’, the mission he was assigned by God is considered much larger than the one man himself.Rather, he represented the beginning of a lineage of prophets that God had chosen to deliver his Word unto mankind, with Jesus Christ being the culmination of this lineage.
Religious studies professor Dr. Josephine Hargreaves shares her insight, “Perhaps Abraham’s true power comes from his relatability as a human being. Although he was chosen by God to carry out his mission, he undergoes the same struggles and emotions as other people. He doubts himself in the face of a daunting task he has been given, yet he perseveres in faith and eventually comes out the other side triumphant.”
The Life and Legacy of Abraham
Abraham’s life story is full of milestones, from primitive pastoralism to becoming a prophet of God to being the symbol of hope for generations to come. His transformation from wanderer to founder of a religion is highlighted in the Bible, as well as other historical artifacts from the time.
As the first ever prophet in the Bible, Abaraham was given the difficult responsibility of beginning the tradition of divine messenger, a role which would be continued by Jesus Christ. Abraham’s influence is seen in both Judaism and Christianity, and his legacy is embedded in the foundations of the two faiths.
His descendants, in particular his son Isaac, are the predecessors of the Israelite nation, and consequently, Judaism. Similarly, Christianity regards Abraham as being a symbol of faith, and thus is an important point of reference for the need of faith and devotion to God.
Moreover, as a sign of God’s promise – that anyone who followed him and his path would be rewarded – God blessed Abraham with many children. These children not only became patriarchs of the aforementioned religions, but also the forbears of numerous people and nations who share the same ancestry.
Lessons From Abraham
The messages of courage, perseverance, mercy, and faith in the face of difficult odds extend beyond simply reading Abraham’s story and apply to virtually anyone’s life. Sigmund Freud said of the Old Testament character “Abraham has come to mean much to me. He was a hero of the old fidelity to God and understanding, he was a great example of the courageous realization of an ideal”.
Abraham’s example of faith is just as relevant today, even in our secularized society, as it was thousands of years ago. His example of faith, of doing the right thing in spite of personal discomfort and doubt, serves as an inspiration for readers of the Bible everywhere.
Moreover, his hardships and successes throughout his journey serve as a testament to our human capacity for applying faith to the most difficult of circumstances. Even in the face of extreme persecution and danger, Abraham constantly pressed forward, relying on God and trusting that He would be rewarded.
Abraham’s life acts as a reminder that, with faith and trust, even the most difficult of tasks can be mastered. As crises, both natural and manmade, continue to plague humanity, Abraham’s example of clinging to faith in times of adversity is perhaps even more relevant now than it ever was in the past.
Abraham In Today’s Culture
Abraham’s legacy continues to live on even today, with scholars, historians, and authors alike drawing abundant references to him in their works.
He continues to be venerated and celebrated in multiple cultures and faiths, emphasizing his universal character and the teachings which he imparted to mankind. His monument among the early prophets of the Bible and legacies of faith are unparalleled, as his journey is etched into the foundations of the two Abrahamic religions, Judaism and Christianity.
In our world today, Abraham still stands as the patriarch of faith, the steadfast symbol of human courage and conviction. Centuries later, he still stands as the epitome of loyalty and faith, of trusting in the divine and never wavering in the face of adversity.
Achievements of Abraham In The Bible
Abraham’s significance within the Bible is clear – as the very first prophet, he marks the beginning of an expansive journey on which we have been travelling ever since. His progress and tribulations were witnessed firsthand by the biblical authors, and these were faithfully transcribed for us in the centuries which followed.
Perhaps most notably, it is Abraham who made the covenant with God, a pivotal moment in the history of the Holy Scriptures. This deed marks the beginning of the relationship between God and the Israelites and is richly described in the Bible, staying with us to this very day.
Much of the Book of Genesis is intimately intertwined with Abraham’s story. As he roamed around the land of Canaan, his twists and turns were diligently documented by the biblical authors – evidence of their reverence and conviction in the divine purpose of this man.
Abraham’s Impact On Modern Society
Abraham’s influence on the modern world goes beyond simply history and faith. His teachings of hard work, dedication, and faith have long been echoed in stories, the arts, political discourse, and other fields of knowledge.
In addition to the two Abrahamic religions, which continue to follow his teachings of divine trust, his stories are also present in many traditional cultures and folklore, with tales of his negotiations with God being inscribed in our collective consciousness. His upstanding moral character and devotion stands as a template for our own conduct, and his strength in persistence, morality and faith help define our humanity.
He is also still regarded with reverence as a pillar of social justice – Abraham, as the Prophet of God, is a prime example of what it means to stand up for yourself and your beliefs, in spite of opposition or difficulties.
Abraham’s Unsurpassed Significance In The Bible
Abraham stands out as an unparalleled figure within the Bible, even among the prophets and religious commanders who come after. He was, after all, the original messenger of God, the man who accepted a divine calling and took a daring spiritual journey in order to fulfill it.
As such, he stands as a powerful symbol of the biblically-guided mindset which has driven humanity for millennia. His story and message is told in countless languages and locations, and his teachings remain evergreen nearly three thousand years since his documented travels in the Middle East.
But most importantly, Abraham’s story symbolizes the evergreen power of faith and devotional loyalty to God, no matter what hardships may be faced along the way. His journey is an illuminated path, paving the way for believers in God everywhere to understand the power of faith and the necessity of following the divine mission.
