Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Lockyer noted that:

Abraham's place in the Bible portrait gallery is altogether unique and unapproachable. He stands out as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world. Chosen of God to become the father of a new spiritual race, the file leader of a mighty host, the revelation of God found in him one of its most important epochs.[16]

Alone, of all the worthies who ever lived, Abraham is called the father of the faithful and even "the friend of God" (Isaiah 41:8). Three great segments of humanity recognize Abraham as a sacred person, and three worldwide religions claim him as their common ancestor. The Muslim, the Jew, and the Christian alike think of themselves as the "seed of Abraham." The Muslim world traces its connection with Abraham through Hagar and Keturah; the Jewish race came through Isaac, and Abraham's wife Sarah; and the Christians are the seed of Abraham by faith in Christ who was Abraham's promised "seed," and through being baptized into him (Galatians 3:26-28).

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed. Here again, as invariably in this chapter, it was not mere faith, but obedient faith, that commended its possessor to God and stands a stimulating example for people today.

He went out, not knowing whither he went. One hesitates to use the term "blind" faith; but there is a sense in which it applies. A factor often seen in the examples given here is the utter and unquestioning trust with which each received the word of God and acted upon it. Nothing in Noah's experience made the thing God said he would do appear likely, or even possible; but he believed it and prepared an ark. So it was with Abraham who promptly obeyed God's call without the slightest idea of where it would lead. It was thus with all the others mentioned in this great chapter. They invariably had the attitude expressed in the hymn.

Lead kindly light, amid th' encircling gloom; The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on. Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene - one step enough for me.[17]

[16] Herbert Lockyer, All the Men of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1958), p. 28.

[17] "Lead Kindly Light," a popular hymn.