Obedience with an Unfinished Map

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”

Genesis 12:1-4 KJV

Most of us would prefer a complete set of directions before making a significant change. Abram received a command and a promise, but the journey would require trusting the Lord beyond what he could presently see. The passage records his departure with a plain statement of obedience. He went because God had spoken.

Read the passage carefully

Abram's call was a specific revelation from God within the unfolding covenant promises of Scripture. I should not use it to treat every strong impression or adventurous idea as a command from Heaven. The application begins with what God has clearly revealed in His Word. Faith responds to His authority. It does not make my preference authoritative by attaching religious language to it.

There are many duties for which we already have sufficient light. Scripture tells us to speak truthfully, forgive, flee sexual sin, care for our households, and serve the Lord. We may still lack a complete view of the consequences of obedience. A truthful conversation can be costly. A necessary change may leave practical questions unanswered. Those uncertainties call for wisdom and counsel, but they do not give us permission to set aside a clear command.