True Security

Of all the material possessions in life, real estate generally provides us with the greatest sense of security (land, houses, etc.).

When God ordered Abraham to leave his country and his father’s house, he had to let go of the security that his properties afforded him, Genesis 12.1.

Even if he had taken all his other possessions with him (verse 5), they would not have guaranteed the same level of security that his properties had given him. But Abraham went ahead and gave them up because of his faith, trust and obedience in and towards God, supported by the constant SACRIFICES that he offered Him.

So much so that whenever he moved from one place to another, the first thing he would do is build an altar (see Genesis 12.7,8 and 13.18).

Why did Abraham always build altars?

Because altars are the place of SACRIFICE. An altar is where SACRIFICES are presented (our lives, self-denial, offerings, etc.), and sacrifice is the fuel of faith.

SACRIFICE is what keeps the flame of faith constantly lit. This is why Abraham was forever ready to obey the voice of God. His faith was unshakable and beyond question because he was constantly presenting SACRIFICES to God.

We should all be exactly like Abraham, because only then will the light of the Most High shine through us and will we ourselves be a blessing, that is, we will generate blessings, as in Genesis 12.2.

When the Word of God says: “Look to Abraham your father…” (Isaiah 51. 2), it is teaching us to imitate Abraham.

As a general rule, parents are a child’s reference point, a mirror, a model to be followed. This is exactly what God wants when He tells us to look to Abraham.

It is worth saying that if we are truly like Abraham — men and women of faith, always obedient to His Word — then we will ourselves be a blessing, anchored and supported by SACRIFICE, and will know true security.

With the assistance of Bishop Marcos Pereira