More Lessons from Abraham

Scripture Reading: Genesis 22:1-18

Key Verse: God himself will provide the lamb  for the burnt offering (Genesis 22:8a)

Mediation: 5) Abraham's experience show us the meaning of sacrifice. He is the only person in the Bible called to sacrifice his son. Job lost his family in a catastrophic even, but Abraham himself was expected to be the direct agent of the death of his son.The directive to "offer up your son" seems incomprehensible to those who use the work  "sacrifice" to include even small inconveniences. In retrospect we learn from the Scriptures that God really did not want Isaac's life, but Abraham's hear. However, that is not what Abraham felt at the time. 

We are impressed with Abraham's response: He was actively listening for God's voice. When God called Abraham," he answered, "Here I am." He did  not try to change God's mind. When God said, " Sacrifice Isaac on Mt. Moriah," He prepared to obey. He also obeyed promptly.  He left early in the morning, probable leaving some indication for Sarah telling where they were going. 

We can learn a) God is not interested in our things, but in having our whole hearts 
b) God much prefers a "living sacrifice" not a dead one
c) some sacrifices always precede true worship 
d) when we give to God the best, He often returns it to us with an enhanced sense of stewardship 

e)  God will provide--" Jehovah Jireh" is a personal experiences. 

Thought for the Day: Faith may call us to the edge, but God is never too late not is He ever limited in His resources.