National identities are frequently marked by geographical features. However, one of the most deeply embedded means of establishing national distinctiveness are the stories which promote the identity of a people. Stories provide both the content of the identity, and frequently how this identity was established. For Americans, the mythic west with its clarity on who was bad, who was good, and the general maximum that one worked hard to succeed, and, on the way, you cared for widows, orphans, and tipped your hat to the ladies, provided the framework for identity for several generations. There was a reason why the series Gunsmoke ran as both a radio and a TV series from 1952 until 1975. Much changed in the 70s including how we as Americans viewed ourselves and it is not surprising that Gunsmoke fell out of favor during the mid-decade of the 70s. For the people of Israel one story has not fallen out of favor and continues to stand as the bedrock story which provides their fundamental identity: Their covenantal relationship with God. It was, as Paul writes in the letter to the Romans that it was Abraham that accepted God’s call by faith, and it was this faith that made him the father of a great nation. Today’s reading calls to mind the great narrative on which the faith of Israel is based and on which the Christian faith draws its identity as well. During the season of lent, we may ask ourselves what fundamental narrative do we follow? What story and heroes who populate these stories do we want to identify as models for our lives? One need not think too hard of the simple fact where you are going is determined by who you follow.