In the Old Testament, a theme that is widely reflected between people and God is obedience. The relationships found throughout Old Testament were based on people’s obedience towards God’s instruction; probably making it one of the most important relational aspect. According to International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, obedience is defined as, “the supreme test of faith in God and reverence for him” (Obedience). God uses many prominent people in the Old Testament who obey and listen to what he calls them to do. For this paper, I’ll be using the story of Abraham as an example of obedience and go more in details about how God used Abraham’s life because he was obedient. Every segment and stage of Abraham’s life showcased his obedience towards
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Some context to Abraham’s situation was that he would be leaving his own country, a place that for many years that was familiar and comfortable for him and his family. Also, taking into consideration Abraham’s age, he was seventy-five years old when God told him to do this. Lastly, God didn’t even tell Abraham the full details; where he would go, why he is leaving, and no explanation or purpose. In Genesis 12:1, God simply said to Abraham, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s house to the land I will show you.” Abraham didn’t have to obey God and could easily stayed where he lived. However, he listened, and God decided to use him and his people. In Genesis 12:2, God said to Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be blessing.” Especially in the Old Testament, the pattern is God usually blessing those who obey and listen to what he instructs them to do. Not only do people receive blessings like protection and wealth, but there is an establishment of a strong relationship between Abraham and his people with God. In a way, God expects and wants obedience from Abraham, and through obedience he blesses and uproots …show more content…
The covenant God established with Abraham required that he and every male be circumcised, as a sign of the covenant from Abraham’s part. Also, at this time Abraham was ninety-nine years old when God spoke to him, but again Abraham was obedient and made sure every male was circumcised that very day. Prior to establishing the covenant, in Genesis 17:1, God asks Abraham to, “walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant.” Obedience used in the Old Testament wasn’t just simply listening to what God said, but also included having faith. Obedience is walking with the Lord, however the aspect of walking with God is by doing so
Some context to Abraham’s situation was that he would be leaving his own country, a place that for many years that was familiar and comfortable for him and his family. Also, taking into consideration Abraham’s age, he was seventy-five years old when God told him to do this. Lastly, God didn’t even tell Abraham the full details; where he would go, why he is leaving, and no explanation or purpose. In Genesis 12:1, God simply said to Abraham, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s house to the land I will show you.” Abraham didn’t have to obey God and could easily stayed where he lived. However, he listened, and God decided to use him and his people. In Genesis 12:2, God said to Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be blessing.” Especially in the Old Testament, the pattern is God usually blessing those who obey and listen to what he instructs them to do. Not only do people receive blessings like protection and wealth, but there is an establishment of a strong relationship between Abraham and his people with God. In a way, God expects and wants obedience from Abraham, and through obedience he blesses and uproots …show more content…
The covenant God established with Abraham required that he and every male be circumcised, as a sign of the covenant from Abraham’s part. Also, at this time Abraham was ninety-nine years old when God spoke to him, but again Abraham was obedient and made sure every male was circumcised that very day. Prior to establishing the covenant, in Genesis 17:1, God asks Abraham to, “walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant.” Obedience used in the Old Testament wasn’t just simply listening to what God said, but also included having faith. Obedience is walking with the Lord, however the aspect of walking with God is by doing so