Genesis 21:8-24:67
Genesis 22:2, "Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering..."
Genesis 22:16, "This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by My own name that I will certainly bless you."
What is the hardest test you've ever taken? Hopeful medical school students must take the MCAT, an exam that lasts 7.5 hours. Other professionals also take exams that push them to the limit and evaluate whether or not they have what it takes to succeed.
Abraham's hardest test came when God asked him to sacrifice his only son - the son that he'd waited so long for. Can you imagine the pain that gripped him when God asked that of him? But instead of negotiating with God or getting angry, he obeyed and took his son to the sacrificial altar. But before he could lay a hand on Isaac, the Angel of the Lord stopped him and God provided a ram to take Isaac's place.
This is a beautiful picture of what God did for us. His only Son faced the ultimate test, and willingly laid down His life - the perfect sacrifice - on the cross so that we could have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. How great is that!
God, Please help me follow in obedience like Abraham. I want to hold nothing back from You and offer everything I am for Your plan and purpose for my life. Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.