Genesis 12 - Abram went

Genesis 12:1-5 ESV — Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,

God commanded Abram to leave his country, relatives, and his father's house. God commanded him to go to the land that he would show him. He also promised him great blessings.

Abram believed obeyed God, left his familiar life behind and went as the Lord has told him and set out to Canaan.

Hebrews 11:8-11 ESV — By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:16 ESV — But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

By faith Abram left his home, relatives, and friends and followed God's direction to the land God would show him. He was looking forward to the heavenly city of God.

When God called me to himself, he promised me a heavenly home. I listened to his voice, obeyed his calling, and believed his promises.

Nowadays I am distracted for the thought of my future and what I would like to be doing when I retire. Should I retire at 62 or 66? Should I retire in Georgia, Illinois, or in South Korea? How will I spend my time when I retire? What will I do each day?

In my trip to Korea this time, what I realized is that it is not when, what, or where that is important. What is important is that now and here, I listen to God's voice and obey him, looking forward to the heavenly hope.

Lord, please help me to listen to you and obey you each day. Please help me look forward to the heavenly city and not my retirement. Help me to leave the earthly entanglement and walk with you toward the heavenly home. Amen.