Genesis 22:2-3 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey.

The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah is one of the most dramatic in a Bible that is filled with drama. The most outstanding thing about the whole story is Abraham’s faith. If God said it, he was going to do it, period. This is a shining example of one of the major points of yesterday’s message: to really hear God, you need to be committed to obedience before you know what He is going to say. I’m sure Abraham never expected God to tell him to sacrifice Isaac, but God needed to make it clear in Abraham’s heart that Isaac was not to rival Him in Abraham’s devotion. Considering the circumstances of Isaac’s birth, that could have happened very easily. However, Abraham came through the test with flying colors, and I’m sure the experience left a major, lasting impression on Isaac as well. Now days, Child Protective Services would have taken Isaac away at the slightest hint of something like this! We think of this as traumatic for Isaac, but it taught him first of all that God had to be supreme in our allegiance, and that God would provide whatever was needed for our lives of obedience to Him. Those are both very valuable lessons! It is striking that when Abraham heard from God, quite possibly in a dream, he acted in obedience “early the next morning.” That is, he didn’t hesitate and agonize, even though the instructions as he understood them were heartbreaking. That level of faith is an example to us all, and an encouragement that God can indeed give such faith to men.

I don’t know if my faith is that strong, but I’d rather it not be tested to that degree! However, the point of letting nothing in my life come ahead of God is an extremely pertinent one. I recently was gratified to hear one of my daughters say that she had realized she was putting her children ahead of God, and that wasn’t right, so she repented. She realized that the very best thing for her children, as well as for her, was her putting God first. God really is faithful to grow and guide hearts that are committed to Him, and I’ve got to remember that and not get worked up over the detours being taken by people I care about. I am to pray for them, certainly, and speak the truth in love to them, but I am to trust that God will bring them through whatever struggle they are having so that in the end they may experience His victory, for their blessing and His glory.

Father, when I look back over all You’ve brought me through I am amazed at Your patience, more than anything. Had I been in Your place, I would have given up on me any number of times! Help me love people with Your love, leading this church to walk in the faith of Abraham, obeying You in every detail so that all of Your plans, for us and for this city, may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!