Abraham and Isaac

Genesis 22

Isaac grew into a strong and healthy boy, and Abraham loved his son with all of his heart—and then some!

One day, God called out, "Abraham!"

"Here I am," said Abraham.

"Abraham, I want you to take your only son Isaac—the one you love so dearly—up to the mountains, and there offer him to Me," said God. "I will show you where to go." Abraham felt sad. He had waited so long for a son, and he didn't want to give him away. But Abraham obeyed.

Early the next morning, he rose and took his only son—the one he loved so dearly—up into the mountains.

After three days, Abraham finally reached the place God had told him about. "Father," said Isaac, "we have fire and wood, but where is the lamb for our offering?" "God will provide," said Abraham, with tears in his eyes. And he began to carefully arrange the firewood on the altar. At last he bound Isaac and laid him on top. "Stop!" cried a voice from heaven. "Do not harm the boy. Now I know that you trust Me completely."

Then Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket. He and Isaac offered the ram to God. And Abraham named the mountain "God will provide."

Life Out of Death

God was testing Abraham to see if he still loved God. May be now that Abraham had a promised son, he would love the gift more that the one who gave the gift to him.

After everything Abraham had been through, he knew that he had to obey God. Abraham knew that God gives his best to those who are willing to give him their best.

Just as Abraham was about to plunge the knife into Isaac, the angel of the LORD stopped him. Abraham had shown God that his faith was still in God. Everything that Abraham had belonged to God ... even Isaac.

Consider the person in your life who is your most treasured gift. Maybe it is a child, like Isaac, or a dear friend, a family member, or a spouse.

How would you feel if God asked you to give up this gift? Have you thanked God for this gift?