“and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised” (Romans 4:12).
All hunters know that every land animal leaves footprints. A rabbit’s trail is distinctly different from a deer’s, a fox’s, and a bear’s. Every Bible student knows that the footprints of the faith of Abraham has left a different trial in human history than did the footprints of Judas.
Because “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3), his footprints of faith as he walked in obedience to God in the final 100 years of his life are to be carefully followed. The footprints of his earthly pilgrimage were clearly aimed at a heavenly homeland in which God has prepared a city (Hebrews 11:13-16). Abraham did not “accidentally” arrive at the heavenly city when he breathed his last and was gathered to his people. It had been his focus from the moment he took his first step away from Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31).
No one walks with God like Enoch did (Genesis 5:22) or walks in the steps of the faith like Abraham did by accident. Walking in newness of life once you have been baptized (Romans 6:4) and walking not after the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1, 4) does not just happen. Walking properly—not in revelry, drunkenness, lewdness, lust, strife, or envy—necessitates putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:13-14).
If you want to walk in the footprints of faith Abraham left, don’t wear loafers.
