Abraham In Hebrews – Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16, 39-12:2
We have noted from Isaiah, how authors of scripture have recognized and expounded the milestone moment of the calling of Abraham first recorded in Genesis 12. In Isaiah 50 & 51, the prophet visits the altar of Abraham, as it were, noting the signal implications of the patriarch's legacy relating to the arc of redemptive history. He calls the lineage of Abraham to “look to the rock from which they were hewn and the quarry from which they were dug” and remember there is no hope of self-help salvation efforts, salvation is through sovereign birth, fruitfulness is realized, and an empire is established through the covenant Yahweh established through His significant Son. Moving from an Old Testament example of scriptural testimony of the importance of Genesis 12, today we cite an example from the New Testament. The author of Hebrews prominently features moments in Abraham's life alongside other examples of faithful saints through covenant history. Here the individual element is more in focus as he draws our attention to the role of faith in the life of a believer. Abraham, among others, is a notable forerunner for those who now follow the founder and perfecter of our faith: Jesus Christ. Through the instruction detailed in the letter to the Hebrews, we learn of every true Christian's connection/relationship to Abraham. The lineage of significant sons, culminating in the advent of Jesus Christ, is an altar worth revisiting for us yet today. We are heirs in a long line of forbearers whose legacy is marked by prophecy, sacrifice, worship, priestly mediation, thanksgiving, atonement, offerings, special revelation, memorial, proclamation and more...