Now after the rebellion of man again through the tower of Babel and making a name for themselves, Adonai chose one man from the line of Shem to show His plan. So what's the plan of Adonai? He knew that the heart of men is evil and will continue in wickedness so He wants to choose a people to separate from it. Adonai hates syncretism and that's why He called Abram(Abraham later). His calling was very special. Out of a wicked and rebellious world Adonai called him to be a great nation(v.2), but not only a great nation, but a separate nation for Adonai.
How did Abram respond to the calling of Adonai? First, he left his country. Abram lived in a city named Ur and the people of the land worshiped idols. What Adonai asked Abram to do was very difficult. He wants Abram to just depend on Him, and He will be the one to provide all that he needs. And as we can see in chapter 13:2 that Abram was rich in livestock, in silver and in gold and a proof that Adonai did not abandon him. The calling of Abram signifies God's sovereignty in choosing a faithful remnant. Deuteronomy 7:6 reminds us: "For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." This act was not based on Abram’s merit but on God's grace and His divine purpose. Second, Abram responds to the calling of Adonai with faith. In Hebrews 11:8 it says "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Abram believed and he followed God. But it wasn't easy when he went to Egypt because of famine. He lied just to save himself but his wife Sarah was in danger. Still holding to Adonai's promise, he did not return to Ur. Even in moments of failure, God's grace upheld Abram. Psalm 37:23-24 assures us: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."
After the situation in Egypt, he journeyed back to where he must go and regain his faith. Now he went to Bethel to the place of the altar which he had made there at first and he called on the name of Adonai. He was aware of his failure in Egypt.
In chapter 13, Abram returned to the land Adonai gave him but before that, he made a decision to separate with his nephew Lot. He chose Canaan because he knew it was the Promised Land. The lesson here is very obvious, Lot used his sight in choosing but Abram by faith. The land he chose was the land of Adonai and He said to Abram in verse 14-17 "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you."
Adonai repeated the phrase "I give it to you" twice as an assurance that He is very true to His promise with Abram. Again, Abram built an altar and worshiped Adonai as a result of believing in the promises of Adonai and that is faith. Romans 4:20-21 highlights Abraham’s unwavering faith: "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." Third, Abram responded to the calling of Adonai with courage because he was already seventy five years old. He was courageous because he was seeking Adonai's promise. In Hebrews 11:9-10 it says "He dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Acting to Adonai's instruction in spite of his age was a sign of courage on the part of Abram and he is a testimony for all those who have the courage to obey Adonai.
Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel in the Haftarah portion together with the elders, heads, judges, officers and they went to Shechem to present themselves before Adonai. Shechem is not just a historical site but a symbol of covenant renewal. In Genesis 12:6-7, Abram first built an altar in Shechem after God’s promise of the land. Now, centuries later, Joshua brings Israel to the same place to renew their covenant with Adonai.
The question is, why in Shechem(Canaanite city)? It was the place where Adonai made a promise with Abraham that He would give that land to his descendants.
Joshua reviewed the history and the things that Adonai did for them. Also he called Israel to make a choice whom they will serve, whether Adonai or idols. Joshua modeled himself and his family to serve Adonai and the people of Israel also committed themselves to serve Him. In verse 17, we can see that Israel recalls how Adonai brought them out of the land of Egypt to show that He has been faithful to them.
In our Apostolic portion, Chapter 11 of Hebrews shows the events in the lives of Bible characters who are certified of living by faith. As we can see, after Abel and Enoch's faithfulness, the author said in verse 6: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Then in verse 8 to 10, its all about the faith of Abraham.
The bottom line of our Apostolic is that these Bible characters died in faith, not having received the promises, but only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
The connection of our Parasha is very obvious and it's about responding to the calling of God. In the Torah, Abram being faithful followed Adonai's instruction to leave his country and go to the land of Canaan without seeing and knowing the place. In the Haftarah, Joshua modeled himself as a faithful leader of Israel by saying he and his family will serve Adonai, as he responded to the calling and the people of Israel also committed themselves. In the Apostolic, the author of Hebrews shows us the description of Bible characters who responded, lived and died in faith.
Returning to my introduction, If there is one call that you need to answer with sincerity, it would be Yeshua's call to follow Him. Just like Abraham and other Bible characters, you can go through it because Adonai will give you strength and He will provide your needs. You are making the best decision of your life if you decide to respond to His calling.
Today, we are called to follow Yeshua with the same faith and courage. Will you respond to His call and accept the privilege of serving our Master Yeshua?
Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Shabbat Shalom,
Topher
Sources:
Torahresource.com
Torahclass.com
The McArthur study Bible
Plainbibleteaching.com
Lifehopeandtruth.com
thingsofthesort.com
studyandobey.com
learn.gcs.edu
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