Abraham Trusted God

Gordon Pots, today.reframemedia.com

 

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.