By Faith: Trust and Obey
Scripture Reading — Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham … offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He … reasoned that God could raise the dead.
Hebrews 11:17-19
The Bible teaches that child sacrifice is detestable. In man-made religions people sacrificed their children to idols, and God outlawed that (Leviticus 18:21).
So why did God ask it of Abraham? And how could Abraham seriously prepare to do such a thing?
It was a test of Abraham’s faith, his commitment to God. How much did he trust God? Surely Abraham would gladly have sacrificed anything else—his tents, cattle, possessions—even his own life. But why his one and only son-of-promise, the joy and laughter of his life? This was the one through whom God had promised to give Abraham and Sarah a whole nation of offspring.
The Hebrews writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, states that Abraham prepared to do it because he believed God’s promises were stronger than death. Abraham believed in God’s power to resurrect his promised son, Isaac.
As for God asking for this sacrifice—well, human life does not belong to idols. They have no right to ask for human sacrifice. But human life does belong to God. And only God can give resurrection! He will resurrect all who trust and obey him. He will do it for Jesus’ sake.
Was not Jesus, the Father’s true Son, sacrificed and raised so that believing sinners could live?
Trust and believe that God keeps his promises.
Father, we are good at finding reasonable objections to doing what you ask. Give us the faith to trust you more and to obey you faithfully. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Gordon Pols
Rev. Gordon Pols and his wife, Ann, have two married children and two grandchildren. After serving four congregations in Western and Central Canada, Rev. Pols retired from active ministry in 2007. He is currently doing parttime pastoral work with West End Christian Reformed Church, Edmonton, Alberta. He also works parttime for Crossroad Bible Institute, promoting a Bible study correspondence course for prison inmates.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!