Abraham had waited for 25 years to receive the fulfillment of the promise of God to give him a son – a son of promise. In the fullness of time, God, His friend, who keeps His promises had visited Sarah and Isaac was born. Then “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, Abraham, “Take your son , your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about”(22v1-2).
His first response was Prompt obedience! “Early the next morning Abraham got up, and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about”(v3). How tempting it might have been to do either of the following:
- Interpret the voice of he heard with the instruction as an enemy attack and reject outright that voice!
- Go into prayer and fasting to plead with God to change his mind (since he did not doubt that it was a clear instruction from God). He would have even reminded God of all the promises God had made regarding this child
- Did he take Sarah into confidence? How would Sarah have responded?
The very next day, early in the morning, Abraham headed for the place God had instructed – a three day journey!
And how prompt obedience gladdens the heart of God! God promptly too, reaffirmed His promise to Abraham with an oath! He said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that 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. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”(v16-18).
Dear Father, Please help me to recognise your voice when you speak and to respond promptly in obedience , like Abraham. This I pray through your son, my saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
