Dvar for Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)

Parshat Lech Lecha abruptly starts with Hashem telling Avraham to leave his homeland, and move to a foreign land that he doesn't know. Commentaries include this as one of the 10 tests that Avraham was tested with. But in the same Passuk that describes Avraham moving, we are told of both Sarah (Avraham's wife), and Lot (Avraham's nephew). If they both also went with Avraham, why isn't THEIR greatness discussed? If anything, it should have been even harder for THEM to leave their homeland because they didn't have G-d directly telling them to leave! So what was so great about what Avraham did, over what his wife and Lot did?

One answer could be in the words "you should go forth (from your land) FOR YOU". Avraham's whole life was devoted to helping others. His house had 4 entrances, one from each side. He taught others to believe in G-d. The LAST thing he wanted to do was to leave his land for selfish reasons. Yet that's what Hashem asked him to do. G-d wanted him to leave the surroundings he's cultivated, and move to a strange land where people didn't know him. For that, Avraham was reassured that others would be blessed. Avraham's test was to sacrifice his life-long work by moving to a place that would be better for HIM, as well as his children.

We, ironically, are tested conversely. We constantly think of ourselves, and must learn to sometimes think of others. Our point is to give up something we have for the sake of others, whether it's giving money to charity, or giving our time to visit a nursing home, or to visit someone who's sick or in need. Whereas Avraham was asked to give up his life's work, G-d asks (in the form of Mitzvot - commandments) much less of us. Luckily, our test we can pass gradually, starting slowly with small commandments, and eventually moving forward. But moving forward requires a starting point, and a detailed commitment for future actions from each of us!

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