Abraham: Father of Faith and Faithful Father
Abraham: Father of Faith and Faithful Father
Out of all the men in the ancient world, why did God choose Abraham to receive
His blessings and his promises? Abraham had many remarkable traits such as
his generosity and hospitable nature, his honorable dealings with others, and his
godly attitudes and respect for the Lord. Even so, scripture reveals another
important reason that might go unnoticed: God chose Abraham because of the
kind of father he would be. In Genesis 18:19, God says of Abraham “For I have
chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to
keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD
may bring to Abraham what he has promised him." God selected Abraham not
just because he would become the father of a great nation, but because he would
be a great father to this nation.
Even Abraham’s name reflects this. Originally called Abram, meaning “exalted
father,” God renamed him Abraham, “father of a multitude.” This name would
prove to be prophetic, as Abraham would become not only the patriarch of Israel,
but also what the Apostle Paul calls “the father of us all” (Rom 4:16) and “those
who have faith are children of Abraham” (Gal 3:7). His legacy of fatherhood
extends beyond blood relations to all who walk in faith.
Through Abraham’s relationships with Lot, Ishmael, and Isaac, we see a model of
fatherhood that offers wisdom for fathers today. It would take Abraham until his
old age to become a biological father. But long before that, he demonstrated
fatherly qualities in his relationship with his nephew Lot. After Lot lost his father
and then his grandfather, Abraham took him under his wing. When conflict
arose between their herdsmen over grazing lands, Abraham pursued peace rather
than asserting his rights as the patriarch. He could have taken the best lands for
himself, but he gave Lot first choice, demonstrating his sacrificial heart and his
desire to have peace in his family, saying “for we are kinsman” (Gen 13:8). Later,
when Lot was captured by powerful northern kings, Abraham pursued the
captors with a small force to rescue his nephew, showing fatherly protectiveness
that would put himself at risk for the sake of his family. Later, when God
revealed His plan to destroy Sodom where Lot lived, Abraham boldly pleaded for
the righteous within the city, including his nephew. These actions demonstrate
that fatherhood is less about biological connection and more about self-sacrificial
love, compassion, and protection. Abraham showed fatherly care long before he
had children of his own.
Next, Abraham became a biological father through Hagar, his wife’s servant, who
bore him Ishmael. For years, Abraham believed this son would be his heir, the
fulfillment of God’s promise. When God later revealed that Sarah would bear
Isaac, the true child of promise, Abraham could have easily withdrawn his
affection from Ishmael. Instead, his response reveals his steadfast love despite
altered expectations. When told Isaac would be the covenant child, Abraham’s
immediate concern was for Ishmael: “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"
(Gen 17:18). Later, when circumstances required Hagar and Ishmael to leave, the
Bible tells us Abraham was “greatly distressed” (Gen 21:11). Abraham’s concern
for the welfare of his eldest son never wavered. Abraham’s treatment of Ishmael
teaches us a lesson today: true fathers maintain love and care even when children
take unexpected paths, or when God’s plan differs from our own. His heart was
big enough for a child who didn’t fit the anticipated mold, and he serves as an
example for parents navigating unmet expectations with their own children.
Finally, Abraham’s relationship with Isaac culminated in what appears to be a
paradox of fatherhood - his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son. Instead, this
act showed Abraham’s recognition that his son ultimately belonged to God, and
his loyalty to God over all else. As Isaac witnessed this moment on Mount
Moriah, it must have been a formative experience for him. Through his father’s
example, Isaac learned many valuable life lessons such as: perseverance in
difficult circumstances, devotion to God above all else, and that God will provide.
Isaac, witnessing firsthand the depth of his father’s faith, would build a great
nation on this spiritual foundation. Generation after generation would be taught
this story, and through this nation and his descendant Jesus, the world would be
blessed.
When we follow in Abraham’s footsteps and teach these principles to our
children, we become spiritual sons of Abraham. As Jesus taught, “if you were
Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did” (John 8:39).
Abraham’s example as a father teaches us to practice self-sacrificial care for our
children, to show them consistent and steadfast love even when they don’t meet
our expectations, and to demonstrate to them our unwavering faith in God above
all else. What legacy will we create for our children? Abraham left a legacy that
is still felt today because his actions as a father reflected his great faith and
devotion to God.
- Dan Harbin
Give Satan an inch and he’ll become your ruler.
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The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
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Never put a question mark where God has put a period.
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