Introduction:
Abram, later known as Abraham, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His journey to Canaan marks a significant act of faith and obedience to God's call, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's covenant with him and his descendants.

Divine Call:
Abram's journey begins with a divine call from God, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3 : "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your kindred, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.'"

Obedience to God's Command:
Abram's response to God's command is immediate and marked by obedience. Genesis 12:4 states, "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran." This act of leaving his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, and later Haran, demonstrates Abram's faith and trust in God's promise, despite the uncertainties and challenges of such a journey.

Journey to Canaan:
Abram's journey to Canaan is a pivotal moment in biblical history. Accompanied by his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions and people they had acquired, Abram travels through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Genesis 12:6-7 records, "Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'I will give this land to your offspring.' So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him."

Significance of the Altar:
The building of an altar at Shechem signifies Abram's worship and acknowledgment of God's presence and promise. It is an act of consecration and dedication, marking the land as a place of divine encounter and future inheritance for his descendants.

Continued Journey and Worship:
Abram continues his journey, moving toward the hill country east of Bethel, where he pitches his tent. Genesis 12:8 states, "From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD." This pattern of journeying and worship underscores Abram's ongoing relationship with God and his commitment to the divine promise.

Challenges and Faith:
Abram's journey is not without challenges. A famine in the land prompts him to go down to Egypt, as noted in Genesis 12:10 : "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." Despite these trials, Abram's faith remains a defining characteristic of his life, as he navigates the complexities of his journey with reliance on God's guidance.

Legacy:
Abram's obedience and journey to Canaan are foundational to the biblical narrative, establishing the land as the future home of the Israelites and setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises. His faith and actions are later commended in the New Testament, where he is often cited as a model of faith and righteousness.