Grow Strong in Testing
Devotional Contributor: Brandon Gency
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:17-19 “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death..”
Observation:
After reading this passage, it is easy to see why we refer to Abraham as the “father of faith”. How often do we resort back to practicality, or reason, rather faith when being tested? As men of God, we are called to put our trust in him (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s request seems gruesome to the modern reader but for Abraham, the command was likely not as surprising, for he was surrounded by nations whose false gods delighted in child sacrifice. Abraham had come from Ur and was going to Canaan. Both places had a history of offering their babies to their gods. But, ultimately, God never endorsed this form of sacrifice, and instead denounced it for His people (Leviticus 20:2, Jeremiah 32:35). Abraham seems to have had some anticipation he wouldn't be required to carry out the sacrifice. On that day, he told his servants, "I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you" (Genesis 22:5). When Isaac inquired about what they'd sacrifice that day, Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8). These seem like hints that Abraham, at the very least, hoped God would not require him to go all the way through with sacrificing his son.
Application:
For many modern readers, we find God’s test/request tough to come to grips with. I wonder if this was God’s original intent, and the reason behind having Abraham go through this. We respond to this situation by saying, "Terrible!" Then God replies, "Yes, I know. I don't want you to do something so terrible. But I and my Son, we will do that which we would never want you to do. He will be sacrificed for you." Perhaps Abraham's story is to serve as an aid for us to unearth the massive love of God. If He was willing to do something so painful for us, He must love us with an everlasting love. It is our responsibility to lean into Christ's love, even during trials & tribulations.
Request:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the love you graciously pour out on me. Please soften my heart, and show me what it means to live a life of complete surrender. Thank you for the example set forth by Abraham, I ask that you will instill the same boldness in me that filled Abraham. I pray all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
For further study and encouragement: Genesis 22