Genesis_22
Scripture
Genesis 22:15-17
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.
Observation - What does it say?
Abraham, in radical obedience to God, tied up his son Isaac in preparation to kill him. This is the same Isaac that Abraham had waited decades for, as God promised him and his barren wife descendants. His beloved son lay bound on top of the wood, looking up as his father lifted the knife over his head. At the last minute an angel of the Lord stopped Abraham. The blood of his son would not be spilled that day. Abraham had passed the test.
Because Abraham showed God that there was no price he was unwilling to pay to honor Him, even if it meant sacrificing his own son, God declared that he would bless him abundantly! Not only would he receive his son back, but would be given countless more descendants!
Understanding - What does it mean?
There is no such thing as sacrificing for God, because we can never out-give God.
I was reminded of Pastor Gary’s message on Sunday as I read this. There is no reason to fear when God asks us to give.
Mark 10:29-30
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.
Think about that promise! A hundred times as much? Imagine a bank with that kind of interest. “We’ll give you $100 for every $1 you deposit.” Uh, let me think about it… I would have to be a fool to not put in every cent I own! So why hesitate when God asks me to give?
Life Application