Genesis 12 Matthew 11 Nehemiah 1 Acts 11

The call of Abraham marks the beginning of the story of the people of Israel. He leaves his home city of Ur in Babylonia and travels to somewhere new. God tells him that this is the land he will give to his descendants, and so a new chapter in God's revelation of himself begins. Abraham himself will make many errors, but he will remain faithful to his calling and God will keep his promises.

This calling to move to a new place is one that has spoken powerfully to Christians over the centuries. We can be happy and settled where we are – geographically or spiritually – but sense that God is calling us to be somewhere else. In Abraham's case, this call took place when he was already an old man. He and his family were uprooted from everything that was familiar and sent out on a new adventure.

Homes where we can feel secure, where we know the landscape and relationships are deep and strong, are great gifts from God. In Abraham's case, those relationships endured: his entire household came with him. Moving from what we know to what we don't know is never straightforward, but when we can take others with us the road is easier.

Sometimes God calls us to go on a journey, whether in the mind and spirit or in the body. Abraham's call is sometimes ours.