Genesis 22:1-5, 12-14
(MARK 12:30)
Long-awaited Isaac quickly became the apple of his father's eye. Then, unexpectedly, God put Abraham to a test, asking him to sacrifice that son. He wanted to be sure Abraham's heart belonged only to Him, that he had complete faith in His will.
When we read of Abraham lifting the knife over his son, bound on the altar, we cringe at the horrific thought of what lie ahead. But Abraham's faith in his all-powerful God steadied him. He told his servants to wait, explaining, "We will worship and then we will come back to you." Hebrews 5:19 says, "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead."
While God tests believers' hearts and shows us blessings right in front of us, there is a deeper thing going on in this passage. The gripping story of Abraham sacrificing his son points us to the greatest blessing we've known: God's own Son put on the "altar" at Calvary to pay for our sins. Jesus "passed the test" for me and for you - sinners all - so our hearts would be drawn to faith and obedience in Him.
For the favor He shows and the joy He bestows/ Are for them who will trust and obey. (John H. Sammis, 1924)
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