In Lech-Lecha, the call of Abram marks the dawn of a covenantal journey that will shape the destiny of humanity. The divine command, “Go from your country, and from your kindred, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1), is not merely geographical but profoundly spiritual. Abram is summoned to leave behind all securities of origin and inheritance to enter into the unknown, trusting solely in the promise of God. His obedience inaugurates a new order of faith—one founded not upon possession or lineage, but upon trust in divine fidelity. This journey transforms Abram into Abraham, the father of nations, and the bearer of an everlasting covenant sealed in his flesh and confirmed by the birth of Isaac.

The Haftarah from Isaiah consists of the same theme of divine calling and steadfast trust. The prophet addresses Israel’s weariness and fear, declaring that Mar-Yah has not forgotten His people. “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28). Here, faith is rekindled through remembrance—remembering that the God who called Abraham out of Ur still upholds His people, strengthening the fainthearted and assuring them of victory: “Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:14).

The covenant with Abraham thus becomes the pattern of all redemptive history. In the New Covenant, this promise is extended to all who walk by the faith of Abraham. As St. Paul writes, “Know then that those who have faith are the children of Abraham … for Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed’” (Galatians 3:7–8). The same divine voice that once called Abram to depart from his homeland now calls every believer to depart from sin, to walk by faith, and to enter the covenant of grace fulfilled in Messiah.

Both the Torah portion and the prophetic reading teach that faith is not the denial of difficulty but the endurance of trust. To be a child of Abraham is to believe against all appearances, to wait upon the Lord whose promises never fail, and to let one’s life become a pilgrimage shaped by covenant and guided by divine fidelity.

Remember, Mar-Yah who called Abram, sustained Israel, and redeemed humanity through Christ continues to call each soul: “Go forth.” Leave behind fear and complacency; walk toward the land of promise, where faith becomes sight and blessing flows to all nations.

(Matt.)