The Sacrifice

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he answered.

"Take your son, " He said, "your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac.

Then Abraham said to the young men, " Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship, then we'll come back to you."

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac? in his hand he took the fire and the sacrificial knife, and the two of them walked on together.

Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, "My father."

Abraham replied, "Here I am my son."

Isaac siad, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the sacrificial lamb for the burnt offering?"

Abraham replied, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Genesis 22:1--3;5-8

What a test! What a response from Abraham! For a man who twice lied about Sarah being his wife, because of fear, he now faces the greatest challenge, losing his son.

A change has happened in Abraham. His response to God is controlled, wise and full of faith.

Abraham tells his servants that he and his son will go off to worship and then they both would return. When Isaac asks where is the sacrifice he replies, "God will provide."

Abraham's confession produces the very thing he professes. Both of them return and God does indeed provide a lamb.

God also commends Abraham for his faith. Now He can truly trust Abraham and purposes to bless him abundantly. Amen!

Stand fast, eyes ahead and watch the barriers fall. Amen!