NOTES for Gen 12:4
The simple words of the author of this part of the book of Genesis describe a very significant event. For Abram, his act is an exploit of trust; in his old age (seventy five years), he leaves everything - relations, a suit life, perspectives - and leaves to uncertainty because God called him to do it. Abram's appeal and the fact that he is chosen by God, turn out in essence being strictly bound things. That is why, it is exactly why Abram becomes the father of all believers, that is why all the nations of the earth are blessed in him, because he proved to be able of making this exploit of trust. We usually think that God elects a person - and this person becomes superior to the others by his possibilities and spiritual strengths. But it is in reality all the opposite. The one who is able to trust is the one who turns out elected. That is exactly what the Lord Jesus Christ mean, when He says that many are called, but few are chosen.
Besides, it is important that from this Abram's act begins the healing of the humanity from sin and death. Abram’s Faith is so important that it covers the moral imperfection of Abram himself and the environment, in which he lives. His faith is counted for righteousness; and the matter is not that faith "is counted" to Abraham in the place of an absent righteousness in him. Abraham’s faith turns out to be the only way, which can bring to righteousness. It is a great way, on which all humanity is called. It {the way} begins with the faith of Abram, and ends with the words of God’s mother: "I am servant of the Lord".