Even the great Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, faced trials. And, according to tradition, not just one or two, but ten!
The Midrash, ancient collections of rabbinic teachings, tell us that Abraham was tested with ten temptations, and he overcame them all. What does that say about his love for God? Pretty powerful, right? But what were these tests?
The very first, according to Legends of the Jews, a masterful retelling of Jewish folklore by Louis Ginzberg, was leaving his homeland. Think about that for a second. Leaving everything you know, your family, your culture... it's a huge ask.
And it wasn't easy for Abraham. He was reluctant. He worried about what people would say. "He is endeavoring to bring the nations under the wings of the Shekhinah," Abraham wondered aloud. The Shekhinah, by the way, is the divine presence, God's felt presence in the world. So, Abraham fretted, "He wants to bring everyone closer to God, yet he leaves his old father in Haran and goes away?"
It's a very human concern, isn't it? He's thinking about his reputation, his family obligations. He's weighing his personal feelings against what he believes is God's will.
But God, in this telling, reassures him: "Dismiss all care concerning thy father and thy kinsmen from thy thoughts. Though they speak words of kindness to thee, yet are they all of one mind, to ruin thee." Ouch. Strong words! It suggests that Abraham's family, despite appearances, didn't have his best interests at heart, that his spiritual path was at odds with their desires.
This first test, the departure from his native land, wasn't just a physical journey. It was a test of faith, of priorities, of courage. It was about choosing the path God set out for him, even when it meant leaving behind everything familiar and facing the unknown. And it was only the first of ten!
What does this tell us? Maybe that following your own path, especially a spiritual one, often requires difficult choices. It might mean leaving behind what's comfortable, facing criticism, and trusting in something bigger than yourself. Even the great Abraham struggled with it. So, if you're feeling tested, remember Abraham. Remember his courage, his faith, and his willingness to step into the unknown. Maybe, just maybe, you'll find the strength to overcome your own challenges too.