This is a very nice, sweet translation of "it is time to leave." But, the grammatical construction of the Hebrew suggests that it should be translated in a much more direct and straightforward way; for instance: "GO FROM HERE" (Caps included) would be a much better understanding of the Hebrew.

With this in mind, we may perceive what is happening a little bit differently. Since it is a command, we can surmise that God has spoken with Abram about this already and that maybe, possibly, Abram has not been listening or at least, has not taken action regarding God's command.

Abram hears God's call, but is choosing not to heed. After several attempts by God to get Abram to heed the call, God finally has to say something to really get Abram's attention; and so God sternly tells Abram to GO FROM HERE.

How many of us hear God's call, but do not heed?

About 10 years ago, I was sitting in the congregation while an adult Bat Mitzvah ceremony was ongoing. One of the women celebrating her Bat Mitzvah said those very words to the congregation about hearing and not heeding God's call. I knew at that moment that I could no longer not heed God's call.

God had been calling me for years to begin studying to become a rabbi, and while I had heard the call, I had taken no action. God finally had to say something to get my attention and did so through my wife Ruth's words. That evening, I began the process of becoming a rabbi.

How many of you have heard God's call but did not heed the message? How many times have you said to yourself; I should be doing, but instead, you ease back into the life you were living and do not change anything. It is much easier to sit back, watch TV or play on the computer and pretend that you are doing what it is that you are supposed to be doing.

But, if, like the prophet Elijah, you take a few quiet moments and really listen to the still, small voice that we all have within us, then you will know what it is you should be doing.

It may not be easy, but it is definitely worth it.

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