Genesis 22 (NIV) Selected Verses
2 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.”…. 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”…. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he[the Lord] said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”…. 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Do you remember those dreaded words when you were in school? Tomorrow, there is going to be a test. For you, it was not earth-shattering because all you had to do was study. For Abraham, it meant the loss of his only son and heir! There was a lot at stake.
Abram (that’s what he was called in those days) had waited twenty-four years for his promised child. That child was now sixteen years old and God is asking Abraham to sacrifice him on some mountain. What did Abraham do? He loaded his donkey and set out on the journey as God requested. What would you have done? Would you pass the test? Did you study?
Jean and I have no biological children. We adopted Clayton after 34 years of marriage. Maybe we should have changed his name to Isaac for a laugh (Isaac means laughter). He became our one and only son. It seems God had a different plan for us. The thing to remember is that God always has a plan for our good. I don’t understand why we could not have our own children other than His plan for us to love someone else’s child. We are now on the way to adopting Clayton’s half brother Brandon. You see, God has a plan. What about His plan for your life? Scripture tells you it is a plan to prosper you; a plan for your good to give you hope and a future. Do you believe Him? Do you trust Him? Look back at the times of your life when things really weren’t going that well. Didn’t it all work out for the best in the end? We were forced out of a Church in which, as it turned out, we did not belong. God had a better place for us! When I am objective and look back, I can see that, in every instance, God has brought me through to better things. He has prepared a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
Abram believed God and was willing to do as God requested. It was credited to him as righteousness. Will you follow Abram’s lead? If you do, God will also be your shield and your great reward! He is with you as He was with Abraham. He will help you pass the test!
Lord God, You said You would never leave nor forsake us and you never have. Sometimes, You ask more of us than we think we can do. Show us how we can walk in Your power and do all things with You as our power, shield and great reward. Thank You that You have blessed us all through Abraham. In Jesus name we pray!