Beginnings: A Study In GenesisSample

What does it say?

God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. After testing Abraham’s faith, God provided a substitute sacrifice and renewed His covenant with Abraham.

What does it mean?

God tested Abraham, not to tempt him to sin, but to prove his faith. It was not God’s intention for Isaac to actually be sacrificed; that would contradict God’s character and His promises to Abraham. Faith in God had taught Abraham not to argue with His instructions, but to trust and obey. He was confident that God was good and that His promises could not be broken. Abraham proved that he trusted God with the one thing he had waited for the longest – his son. Strong faith is often exercised with strong trials.

How should I respond?

Whatever is dearest to you on the earth is your Isaac. Are you willing to give that person or object by faith into God’s hands? Sometimes a prized possession or treasured relationship can become an idol, replacing God’s rightful position in our hearts. What is that earthly thing or person in your life today? Can you unreservedly release that to God? Faith is like a muscle that only becomes stronger when it’s exercised.