What Calling on the Name of the LORD Indicates in Abram’s Life
The phrase “calling on the name of the LORD” first appears in Genesis 12:8 and later in Genesis 13:4 in the context of Abram’s journey. Understanding this practice in Abram’s life offers deep insight into his relationship with God and the spiritual principles of faith, dependence, and worship.
1. A Sign of Personal Relationship with God
When Abram “called on the name of the LORD,” it indicates an intimate and personal connection with God. Unlike generalized worship or ritualistic practices, calling on God’s name demonstrates personal communication and devotion. Abram’s life reflects that faith is not merely about obedience but also about cultivating a close, relational bond with God. This practice shows that Abram recognized God as the ultimate source of guidance, protection, and blessing.
2. Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty
By calling on the LORD, Abram publicly and privately acknowledged God’s sovereignty over his life and circumstances. In a world full of other deities and idol worship, this act of calling on the LORD represented a conscious choice to honor the one true God. Abram’s acknowledgment of God’s authority reflects the faith of one who submits his own plans and understanding to divine wisdom, demonstrating that true faith involves recognizing God’s control over all aspects of life.
3. Dependence on God for Guidance and Protection
Abram’s calling on God’s name shows his reliance on divine guidance, especially during times of uncertainty. Throughout his journey—from leaving Haran to settling in Canaan—Abram faced unknown territories, potential conflicts, and natural challenges. Calling on the LORD was both an expression of trust and a means of seeking direction. This teaches that faith includes acknowledging our dependence on God rather than solely relying on human understanding or strength.
4. Expression of Worship and Reverence
In addition to seeking help or guidance, calling on the LORD was an act of worship. Abram recognized God’s holiness and majesty and responded with reverence. This indicates that genuine faith blends trust with adoration, highlighting that relationship with God is not only transactional (asking for needs to be met) but also relational and worshipful.
5. A Model of Faith for Future Generations
Abram’s practice of calling on the name of the LORD sets a precedent for his descendants and for believers throughout history. It exemplifies how faith can be expressed through prayer, worship, and acknowledgment of God in daily life. By calling on God, Abram models a life centered on divine dependence, making faith visible and active, rather than theoretical.
6. A Marker of Covenant Relationship
Calling on the LORD also reflects Abram’s awareness of God’s promises. God had called him to leave his homeland and had promised to make him a great nation. By invoking God’s name, Abram aligned himself with the covenantal relationship God established with him. This act of calling on God’s name reinforces the principle that faith involves ongoing recognition of God’s promises and covenantal faithfulness.
Conclusion
In Abram’s life, calling on the name of the LORD was more than a ritual; it was an expression of personal faith, dependence, and worship. It indicated a deep relationship with God, acknowledgment of His sovereignty, trust in His guidance, and reverence for His holiness. Abram’s example teaches that calling on God is both an intimate dialogue and a public declaration of faith, showing how believers can navigate uncertainty, align with God’s promises, and model a life devoted to divine guidance and worship.