In the beginning

Genesis 12:2

I will make you a great nation;

God’s promise always comes true no matter what the situation is. You see in the case of Abraham, God waited until Abraham was 75 years old and then He called Abraham to move from Haran. God chose to speak to Abraham when Abraham was in his senior years. No one can guess how God works in anyone’s life. Some He calls them early to do His ministry and some late and some He never calls. Haran was an important center on the trade route from Nineveh to Carchemish and the seat of the Assyrian moon god. So, Abraham was a moon worshipper prior to being called by God Himself.

Abraham’s father Terah originally “set out” to lead his large family from Ur to Canaan. When they got about halfway to Canaan, Terah decided to “settle” down in Haran instead of pressing on. But little did Abraham know that God would call him to move from Haran the land of comfort, to the land of promise Canaan. Many times we chose to live in a place of comfort when God has a different plan for us. God’s plan only works when we choose to obey His commands. If we do not answer God’s call, God will not bother us.

God spoke to Abraham and told him to move out of his country. What did God mean by that? Every country has its own customs and traditions. Many times it gets very difficult to leave certain habits, traditions and certain ways that ancestors have been teaching. Some of these ancestors even though dead, laid out certain traditions and rules so the living family members would continue their legacy. Joshua 24:2 describes: And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods. For many serving other gods is a family heritage.

Maranatha!