Daily Devotions based the Sermon from February 21, 2021
THIS WEEK: Lead Me to the Cross…Find the Ram…Find a Substitute!
The decision was already made.
Even before they left their home for the three day journey to Mount Moriah, Abraham had decided to sacrifice his son…or should I say, follow the directive of God.
The decision wasn’t to sacrifice his son or not…that would have been a terribly agonizing decision. The decision was to trust and obey the word of the Lord. That was a constant Abraham had decided long ago.
So while we look at the action of Abraham about to take Isaac’s life, it seems like a painful and heart wrenching decision. But perhaps it was simple because he was convinced trusting and obeying the word of the Lord was ALWAYS the right decision…even when humanly speaking it seemed irrational.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. (Genesis 22:9-10)
God saw the conviction of faith that led Abraham to trust and obey. As a result? Test passed.
That’s all God was looking for. A simple exercise of faith that exhibited love for God over love for Isaac. So God stopped the test.
11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he 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.” (Genesis 22:11-12)
Abraham loved Isaac. But he loved the LORD more.
What would happen in your life if you made a decision of faith to simply and always trust God and obey his Word…always…even when it seemed illogical?
It wouldn’t answer every question of life like what color to paint a room, or where to go to college, or where to work. But it would give the foundation upon which every decision of life is made.
What color to paint a room? The color is optional, but I’m not going to spend money painting in place of honoring the Lord with the tithe of my offering. So if I can’t afford it with the 90% that’s left…no painting right now.
Where should I go to college? The college is optional, but I may assess where I can attend a school that will support my walk with the Lord versus be a constant threat and challenge to my faith. While I may get accepted to my “dream” institution…I may quickly turn it down as it will challenge my walk with the LORD.
Where should I work? Not sure. There are probably many places, but I will ask, “Where can I use the gifts and talents God has given to me to give glory to him and be a blessing to others?” That is non-negotiable. So even if I was offered a six-figure income with potential for seven, I may easily turn it down because it will conflict with my ability to trust God and obey his word.
These may be “big decisions” but really every day we are invited to make the same decision, “Today I will trust God and obey his Word.” With that decision made…options are eliminated.
Abraham didn’t consider other options, because he knew there wasn’t any other options. To trust God and obey his Word, he had to sacrifice Isaac. In his heart he did. So God ended the test. Abraham passed.
Apply: What would your days look like if you made a decision of faith today and simply committed to the LORD with his help to always trust him and obey his Word? Try it for the next 10 days…what do you notice?
PRAYER: Lord, help me by the power of your Spirit to always trust you and obey your word so that I pass the tests of faith you allow to come my way. AMEN.