Separation unto Exclusivity

….. separate thyself, I pray thee, from me.......(Gen 13:9)

Abraham was known to be an altar builder and the perpetual Covenant of blessing God made with him, his call’s milestone includes seven significant separations. Separation from nationality (Gen 12:1), family (Gen 12:1), the world (Gen 13:1), right of choice (Gen 13:9), riches (Gen 13:10-12), Ishmael (Gen 21:9-12) and finally Isaac (Gen 22:1). The final one being the acid test of the allegiance and love with each separation impacting closer and closer to the heart. God is not interested in our pain; He is concern with His eternal purpose. If we look at separation as being cruel and heartless, than we neither understood the depths of His love nor grasps the full extent of the Cross of Christ. With a wrong perspective, we will not be able to carry our own cross daily and follow Him. We can lose the glorious end of Him raising us among many sons to glory. What He has predestined, He will perform all that is necessary (Eph 1:4, 5, Heb 12:10)).

A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. (SoS 4:12)

To be made holy is a separation with the utmost fidelity. We belong totally to Him, never to be shared with anything or any other. On this ground our hearts will never stray and there is an enclosed intimacy that yields fruit. The gate is narrow the way is difficult (Matt 7:14) and few will enter in (Luke 13:24). Many of our earthly baggage need to be displaced to squeeze through. God will be surgical (Matt 10:34) for His names sake. Abraham made His choice and passed the test, will we? Separation is essential and yet the sovereign God leave the choice to us.