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THE GREAT SACRIFICE

VERSE: “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.” (Genesis 22:6)

EXPOSITION: Here, we see the three elements that were to be used in the sacrifice of Isaac — wood, fire and a knife. As Abraham arranged each item, the pain of what lie ahead would pierce this father’s heart. This pain would only be amplified by each step his son Isaac took towards the place of sacrifice. When I read this verse, I can’t help but think of another Father’s heartache as centuries later he would watch his own Son go up this very same mountain to the place of sacrifice. All the elements were in place: a totally sinless life, a completely satisfied Law, and a complicit populace. And just as Isaac was willing to lay his life down, Jesus willingly laid down his own life. The blessing of Abraham would continue through Isaac’s obedient, yet interrupted sacrifice; an even greater blessing would flow through Christ’s. For in Christ’s obedient completed sacrifice we are reconciled to God, our sins are forgiven, we are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit, and our destiny is eternity with God.

ACTION POINT: Praise His wonderful name for Jesus Christ!

RESPONDING TO GOD

VERSE: "So Abraham rose early in the morning..." (Genesis 22:3a)

EXPOSTION: Faced with the unenviable task ahead of him, one would not be surprised if Abraham had drug his feet a little. After all, his nephew Lot had "lingered" when faced with the unpleasant task of relocating from S***m (Gen 19:16). However, we read that Abraham, unlike his nephew, "rose early in the morning" and got right to it! He did not procrastinate, hesitate, deliberate, or vacillate. So how do you respond when God's Word calls you to difficult things, such as forgiveness, self-denial, and the like? Do you drag your feet like Lot or are you quick to respond like Abraham? It may be that our greatest victories lie in our greatest response times!

ACTION POINT: Evaluate your response to God's Word and make changes as necessary.