Abraham's Lesson on the Mountain

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”  And the two of them went on together.  Genesis 22:8

The Scripture says that God tested Abraham.  The Lord asked him to sacrifice his one and only son atop Mount Moriah.  Abraham knew Isaac was the son promised to him by God.  He believed God could raise the dead.  No doubt the climb filled Abraham’s heart with trepidation.  There must have been a battle that ensued within Abraham’s soul, but he trusted the Lord.  This is evident because of his obedience.  He tied up his son upon the alter on top of wood to burn.  Abraham raised his knife. 

Then God spoke: “Do not lay a hand on the boy…Now I know that you fear God, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”

Abraham trusted God with the thing that was most precious to him – his son Isaac.  He and his wife Sarah had acted on God’s promise to have a child in their old age.  After a number of years, Sarah gave birth to Isaac.  He was their great joy.

But God required of Abraham that he would be willing to sacrifice the most important thing in his life.  God wanted Abraham to put Him first in his heart of hearts.  Abraham obeyed.  It really wasn’t the Lord’s will for Isaac to die.  The Lord provided a ram for the sacrifice.  While Abraham and Isaac climbed up one side of the mountain, God’s provision, the ram, climbed up the other side.

There comes a time in the believer’s life when God desires to test us.  He wants us to be willing to place our dreams, our blessings, our achievements on the alter.  If we choose to surrender in obedience on the mountain, we will walk in greater blessing.  God is a jealous God.  He must be first in our hearts, but God is also good.  He saves the greatest blessings to those who obey Him.

 

Is there anything that comes between you and God?  Would you be willing to surrender all to Him?

If so, come and pray with me:

Dear Father God,

Thank you for all Your blessings in my life.  Search my heart and let me see if there is anything that comes between You and me.  Lord, I surrender all to You.  I give you everything, and I believe you will bless me like you blessed faithful Abraham.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.