"Abraham"

Nehemiah 9:7-8

Throughout the Word of God, Abraham is held before us as an example of faith. The Lord God called Abraham, "My Friend" (Isa. 41:8). He was a man. But he was "the friend of God" (Jas. 2:23). When Paul wanted an illustration of the believer's faith and justification, he selected Abraham (Rom. 4). And when he wrote to the Galatians who were, like us, Gentiles by nature, he declared that all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are "the children of Abraham" and that we are "blessed with faithful Abraham" (Gal. 3:7, 9). If there is any man in the Bible who should be of interest to you and me, that man is Abraham. This man of faith is set before us in the Scriptures as a picture of grace. Like us, Abraham was what he was by the grace of God. And he knew it!

When the Levites in Nehemiah's day offered praise to God as the sons of Abraham and sought his blessings upon them, they gave God praise for five things in particular which he had done for Abraham. Now, remember, if you are a believer, you are one of Abraham's spiritual children. And what God has done for our father Abraham he has done for us in Christ. The blessing of Abrahm has come upon us through the blood of Christ (Gal. 3:13-14).

1. "Thou art the Lord God who didst choose Abram." Abraham was sovereignly chosen by God to be the object of his grace. He passed by many. But the Lord chose Abraham. Had God not chosen him, he would never have chosen God (John 15:16).

2. "And broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees." Abraham was effectually called by irresistible grace to a life of faith in and obedience to Christ (Psa. 65:4).

3. "And gavest him the name Abraham." God changed his name because he was a converted man, converted by grace (I Thess. 1:9).

4. "And foundest his heart faithful." Abraham was made a new creature in Christ. Grace imparted to him made him a faithful man. Because he was preserved by grace, he persevered in faith (Phil. 1:6).

5. "And madest a covenant with him." All that God did for Abraham he did by covenant promise. His blessings were all sure, covenant blessings, sealed to him by God's immutability (Eph. 1:3; II Tim. 1:9).

Don Fortner