Abraham's example of faith in offering up Isaac challenges us all. What has God made evident to us regarding sacrifice or service that we find too difficult to carry out? We may be tempted to answer that we've never been challenged with such a task or trial, but how about sharing our faith? Has there ever been a time when we failed to share our faith in Christ because of what it might cost us?
We may not be tested with offering up an only son, but if we're not being tested and tried by God on some level we need to examine our faith life. Testing through service and sacrifice is one of the ways God grows and matures His children. (James 1:12) Consequently, a Christian without spiritual testing or trial may be one out of fellowship with the Father.
The lessons of godly testing or trial are rarely welcome from a human perspective, but spiritually they mold and shape God's children in the image of His Son Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7) Today, we can travel through life on our own plan and schedule, or take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24Onward Christian soldiers!
Bob Benson
God’s command is, "Take now," not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later—it must be done now. And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.
"So Abraham rose early in the morning . . . and went to the place of which God had told him" ( Genesis 22:3 ). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not "confer with flesh and blood" ( Galatians 1:16 ). Beware when you want to "confer with flesh and blood" or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings—anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.
Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be. Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, "I will only go to there, but no farther." God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed. If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.
Amen!
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24
