Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, Abraham! Here I am, he replied. Then God said, Take your son, your only son, whom you love-Isaac-and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.
Genesis 22:1
An altar symbolizes sacrifice out of reverence to God or gods. A sacrifice involves giving up something important, something that matters, to a higher more worthy cause or person.
God had promised Abraham.
God had promised that Abraham would have descendants as many as the stars in the sky and sand on the seashore. Abraham, the Bible in Romans says, had waited twenty-five long years, with unwavering hope for God to fulfill that promise. That was faith exemplified already. And one would think that is proof and more, that Abraham did truly trust God.
But no. Now God asks Abraham to sacrifice that very son, Isaac. God now wanted Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. The son whom he had waited for, for so many long years. The son of his old age. That very same son. Wonder, what would have been the thoughts in Abraham’s heart?
The Bible, however, tells us, in the very next verse, that early the next morning, Abraham loaded his donkey and set out with Isaac. Abraham proves his absolute faith in God all over again. He obeyed, and immediately. No questions asked. Faith means immediate obedient action.
What is on your altar today? What is that, one most precious thing or person in your life? If the Lord were to ask you for it today, what would be your response? Would you be able to trust God to provide and let go into His hands? Ponder that.
Prayer
I am not too sure I can display the kind of faith Abraham did, Lord, but I sure would want to. Would You help me, please?
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