Today's Devotional Thought
May 31, 2010 by Wendy Foreman
Abraham & Isaac
Today's passage comes from a pretty common story that most everyone has heard. We all marvel that Abraham could actually take his son to the top of the mountain knowing full well that He may have to slay him for the Lord. I think that this story is one of trust and faithfulness. God wanted to see how faithful Abraham was to Him. Would he be willing to slay the one thing in his life that he treasured? And I think Abraham was trusting that God would provide something or someone else for this sacrifice. Surely God knew what Isaac meant to him. He waited so long to have a son with Sarah. What I love is that Abraham from all accounts didn’t hesitate. He loved his God and wanted to be obedient.
This I know had to be one of the longest walks Abraham ever took and I am sure he was praying and pleading with God. He watched as his son carried the wood and the knife that would eventually kill him. Imagine the joy and excitement Abraham felt when he heard the voice of God telling him to not lay a hand on the boy. Abraham had been obedient to God and God blessed him for it. When you read further in the chapter, God tells Abraham, “I will surely bless you and make your descendant as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as the sand on the seashore.???
I doubt that I could have done what Abraham did. I am just being honest. When I think of this Memorial Day, I know that there are many out there who have lost loved ones in battle. You knew when you kissed them good-bye that there was a possibility that you would never see them again. And for some of you that was the case. Let me personally say I am so sorry for your loss and then say thank you for the sacrifice your loved one made.
God spared Isaac that day and a ram took his place in sacrifice. Approximately two thousand years later though God sent His only son to this earth and he didn’t spare Him. Jesus carried His cross, much like Isaac carried the wood. He had been beaten and bruised. He was the ultimate sacrifice for us. When He died on that cross His blood covered all our sins. There is not a need now for sacrifices to make us right before God and to cover our sins. We can come boldly before Him. I am so thankful for that sacrifice and because I have accepted it and walk with Jesus, my life has been forever changed.
As we think of sacrifices this Memorial Day, remember the ultimate sacrifice that was made by Jesus Chris. I hope today that you have experienced a life with Jesus. There truly is nothing like it!
December