“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” (Gen. 22:1)
Wait a minute and stop the madness! Did God just ask Abraham to give up his son? The son with whom God was going to bless Abraham and make his name great. Yes, we heard correctly. Talk about a test of faith. Girls, this is a test of faith I would have failed. I am sure of it. I would definitely have to clean my ears and ask God to repeat. Then offer Him a plan B. But what did Abraham do:
Did you noticed the words, "the next morning?" He did not hesitate or question God nor did he tell Sarah. Oh boy,would she have had a thing or two to say about this situation. This was nothing compared to her husband sleeping with her maidservant or the "other son" picking on her baby boy. I have a sneaky feeling Abraham knew exactly what he was doing by not telling his wife. This a man that had learned a thing or two in his years of marriage, Amen? He was going to keep this between he and God.
Did you notice the word "we?" Twice Abraham said we. He had faith that God would either spare his son or raise him from the dead but either way he and Issac were coming down from Moriah.
What faith! I want faith like that, don't you? To speak so boldly and confidently. I am reminded that sometimes God asks us to give up what we treasure most for a greater blessing that only He knows about. Abraham knew God's voice but further more had a reverent fear to obey without question a command that sounds irrational. He obeyed in the best way: without delay. I need to take heed to the lessons learned here. Can I get a witness?
We lost Sarah today but we gained Rebekah. Isaac and Rebekah become kissing cousins. All this intermarriage is confusing to me. I am glad God puts a stop to it (well He tries to) later in the story.
P.S. I want to encourage you today not to stop reading. I had a friend who said that all this is hard to understand. I agree "all this" is hard to understand so don't try to understand "all this." Ask God to show you a truth, one simple nugget of truth that you can apply to your life and don't get bogged down with what you "don't get." Be encouraged by what you do get.
I love you girls and have already prayed for you today!
"The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about."(V3)
Did you noticed the words, "the next morning?" He did not hesitate or question God nor did he tell Sarah. Oh boy,would she have had a thing or two to say about this situation. This was nothing compared to her husband sleeping with her maidservant or the "other son" picking on her baby boy. I have a sneaky feeling Abraham knew exactly what he was doing by not telling his wife. This a man that had learned a thing or two in his years of marriage, Amen? He was going to keep this between he and God.
"He said to his servants, 'Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.'" (V5)
Did you notice the word "we?" Twice Abraham said we. He had faith that God would either spare his son or raise him from the dead but either way he and Issac were coming down from Moriah.
What faith! I want faith like that, don't you? To speak so boldly and confidently. I am reminded that sometimes God asks us to give up what we treasure most for a greater blessing that only He knows about. Abraham knew God's voice but further more had a reverent fear to obey without question a command that sounds irrational. He obeyed in the best way: without delay. I need to take heed to the lessons learned here. Can I get a witness?
We lost Sarah today but we gained Rebekah. Isaac and Rebekah become kissing cousins. All this intermarriage is confusing to me. I am glad God puts a stop to it (well He tries to) later in the story.
P.S. I want to encourage you today not to stop reading. I had a friend who said that all this is hard to understand. I agree "all this" is hard to understand so don't try to understand "all this." Ask God to show you a truth, one simple nugget of truth that you can apply to your life and don't get bogged down with what you "don't get." Be encouraged by what you do get.
I love you girls and have already prayed for you today!
18 Comments:
Wendy
I'm with you I want that kind of faith and I know there are times in my life I've probably missed blessings because I wasn't obedient to follow exact instruction or follow at all claiming it was too hard or too much. This is a great reminder to have complete faith that what God brings us to He will bring us through. Thanks so much for you insight and prayers.
Lynn - Milwaukie, OR
Wendy,
Thank you so very much for leading our study! You've been in my prayer's everyday along with our group that is journeying through God's Word together. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I've been through this daily activity.
Never have I been so excited to read God's Word!
I love the wisdom God has given you dear sister!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for serving us!
I loved reading your comments this morning. And, yes, if I only could obey without delay! Whewy, what a model Abraham is to us! I gasped reading about God asking him to sacrifice is only son. I imagined myself in that situation (I have 2, teeen-age sons) and thought I'd have failed that test. I would definitely not be able to do it without delay that's for sure. I'd have so many, but, Lord..., but, Lord...
Let's all continue to strengthen our faith so that we can obey God without delay! Romans 10:17 (NIV)
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."
Blessings,
Lori from AZ
And Girls,
What about Isaac? He just did exactly what his father told him. He did not put up a struggle or question when his father bound and placed him on the altar.
Like father like son. Abraham did asked his father said and so did Isaac.
Hi Wendy!
I've not commented here before but heard about your leading through the CBS. I LOVE IT!
Aside from the things you pointed out, I was blown away by what may seem an insignificant detail.
Did Terah not die until AFTER Abram left him in Haran? I have always heard it taught that Abraham did not move on in obedience until his father died. (If I'm not mistaken, that was even the view in Beth's Patriarchs study) If you don't do the math, which I never did, it does indeed read that way in the non-chronological version. Rather, it appears Abraham indeed left his father's household and not just his father's people - if that makes sense. If Terah was 205, Abram was born to him when he was 70, Isaac was born when Abram was 100 then that gives Terah 35 more years before his death.
Maybe that means nothing but it's big to me! :))
I'll stop now...
Wendy,
I hope it is okay to share something that I wrote in the Bible study Rachel Olsen did on Women of the Bible in 2008. It was my first experience with an online study, and it was a profound insight. I realize our daily reading touches on many things we don't discuss, so I wanted to share about the area of Isaac meeting Rebekah.
Genesis, chapter 24 reveals the trinity of God, and is a beautiful picture of Christ’s redemption plan, woven into the Old Testament. He has been there all along – “In the beginning…”
I hope you will give me the liberty to re-name characters: Abraham is an analogy of God; Isaac, the son, is Jesus Christ; the servant is the Holy Spirit; and Rebekah, the bride, is me/you.
Abraham (God) sent his servant (Holy Spirit) to seek out a bride (me/you) for his son (Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom).
Since Isaac (Jesus Christ) had already been offered as a sacrifice, and a blood offering made (Gen 22); this analogy starts where the Holy Spirit has been sent in place of Jesus Christ, until He returns again (hence, “My son is not to leave.”)
Abraham (God) sent his servant (Holy Spirit) to seek out a bride (me/you). “If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath.” Note, the bride has free will to choose whether to accept the servant’s (Holy Spirit’s) message.
So they (the family of Abraham (God), or believers) called Rebekah (me/you), “Are you willing to go with this man?” And she replied, “Yes, I will go.” By faith (sight unseen), Rebekah accepts the servant’s (Holy Spirit’s) message, and went to Isaac (Jesus Christ) to be his bride.
Isaac (Jesus Christ) brought Rebekah (me/you) into his tent. HE (Jesus) LOVES HER (me/you) DEEPLY.
I hope you will read this chapter again. And then I encourage you to seriously consider what happens to Rebekah (me/you) when we lose our first love (Gen 27). I pray this study will open your heart (as it has mine!) to fall in love with Jesus all over again!
Susan, VA
(March 14, 2008)
Because Abraham knew the character and had intimacy with God I believed his faith moved him far away from the emotions of the "What If" scenarios. And Issac had to have the same knowledge of Abraham to even submit to be tied to the altar. Issac was probably a teenager when this happened. Oh...that we could allow our faith "to come" (Romans 10:17) as we read the Word of God. Abraham didn't have a point of reference like we do today. We know God will provide because we have our fore fathers who walked out their faith as an example. And Ms. Rebekah reaping the benefits because she had a servant heart and was in the right place at the right time. I wonder how many obstacles she faced that day before she got to the well. Rebekah wasn't trying to impress anyone, she was by herself. Oftentimes we will do more when we have an audience, but not Rebekah. She was just being herself, going the extra mile. I wonder how many times she actually did this act of kindness. Was it the norm or did she all of sudden get this servant attitude. It appears to me it came very natural for her to extend herself this way. Also, as a side note, I'm sure knowing she was marrying into wealth make the decision less complicated.
Wendy thanks for this opportunity to share and for your prayers.
Debbie - North Carolina
Wendy thanks for saying what I would have been afraid to admit ...I too can't fathom sacrificng a child...I would have been filled with fear and doubt...
I love reading your comments and I too can't wait for that alarm to go off at 5:15am so I can go and read! Bless YOU!
Vickie
Illinois
I too am blown away by Abraham's faith. No wonder it was credited to his as righteousness (Rom 4:3)! He totally believed that God would either spare Isaac's life somehow or raise him from the dead if needed, but he was bringing Isaac back with him.
God's provision rang loud and clear in my heart today as I read. God's provision for Hagar and Ishmael. His provision for Abraham. His provision for Isaac and Rebekah.
I can't say I'm a fan of Gen.22:1, "God tested Abraham's faith". Satan tempts us to sin, but God tests us to stengthen our faith. So thankful for the strength He provides when He tests us.
As the servant is returning with Rebekah, they see Isaac "walking and meditating in the fields" (Gen 24:63). My mind would like to think he was even praying for his wife as he conversed with the Lord. Maybe he was already thanking Him for providing for he had been taught earlier to believe in Yahweh-Yireh, "the Lord will provide".
In closing, I loved Isaac's tender heart. The final verse of chapter 24 says, "He loved her (Rebekah) deeply and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother." In researching the time-line here, I discovered that Sarah and died about three years prior to this, and yet Isaac was not comforted until now. God not only provides for our physical needs, but our emotional, mental and spiritual needs as well.
What encouragement today to trust Him. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Lord will provide.
Thanks again for doing this Wendy! One week of faithfulness in reading down! Only 51 more to go :o)
Blessings,
Joy
What a blessing it is the way God can use the internet for HIS glory!
It is so exciting for me to spend these 365 days with all of you sweet sisters!
Thank you for your input and your accountability--how sweet it will be on December 31st to be reading the last comments!
Abraham replied to Isaac when questioned about where the sacrifice was, "God will provide."
How many times do I look ahead with dred in my life wondering how I will handle different situations.
There is so much peace in the statement--"God will PROVIDE."
I have made it to day 7 and I am so excited!! This the longest I have stuck with a bible reading program. Thank you Wendy. I just wanted to comment on the lady who commented that it is too hard to understand. Each day before I read the days selection I write, or you could verbally ask, in my journal for God to teach me what he wants me to learn today. Some of the stuff I read goes in one ear and out another, but I find by actually involving God in my reading I am able to learn the lessons he has planned for me each day. Keep up the good work ladies.
Wendy, Just wanted to let you know 2 girls up in Canada are reading along with you all. I bought my girlfriend and I a copy of bible you are using. I had the same thoughts this morning about wanting that kind of faith - I would have failed too! But I never thought about that he kept it from Sarah - truly a wise man!
Amy - Kingston, Ontario
Wendy, thank you for leading this bible study. I told my daughter she was very excited.I just finished yesterdays. Plan on reading todays tonight.Trying to stay caught up. I am Praying for our whole group of ladies.Tina
Yes, what great faith of both Isaac and Abraham. I could never imagine doing this, as I have 4 boys. But why does it say repeatedly that he only has one son,,,,what about Ishmael? Is he not considered his son for some reason?
Sandwich, IL
Wendy,
Thank you, thank you, thank, you for being obedient to God when he told you to do this online study! If I could fill this whole blog with thank you's it wouldn't be enough to say how I am feeling. I am so excited about this. I have read through the Bible before, but never like this. I want so much to be closer to God, to hear his voice and obey when he asks. I long to understand scripture more and to be able to memorize scripture, which has been hard for me. I've never read through the Bible and actually sat and pondered what I've read, never asked questions to myself about what I've read. Now, I'm journaling (also something new to me) writing notes in the margin of the Bible when I don't understand something so that I can look into it more and writing down words that God speaks to me. I'm so excited! Did I say that already. :) Most of the questions I've flagged have been answered in either your post or the comments left by all of these wonderful ladies! I'm amazed when I think about the impact we could have on this world if every one of us who has committed to this sticks with it this year and truly listens and obeys God! Wow!
Blessings!
Kim, Griffith, IN
I really appreciated December Rose's analogy of Abraham, the servant, Isaac and us foreshadowing the Father/Son/Holy Spirit and bride of Christ. Wow! Awesome and inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing that....
Thank you for sharing those thoughts, December Rose. Today a verse that stood out to me was, "And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother." I love how God places around us the comfort we need in our time of trouble...and God has definitely provided comfort and peace to me thru the years.
Two things I love about this story stood out today...Abraham tells his servants to stay back that he and the boy will go a little further and then "worship the Lord" Wow! Would I call sacrificing my only son worship? Just as Abraham's obedience was credited to him as righteousness I think he considered it his act of worship too...
And, as they walked on, Isaac asked where they would get a lamb and Abraham replies "God will provide." Abraham was still walking forward in faith assuring Isaac that whatever was offered would be the provision of God's goodness. The thing I asked God for today was to know God's character like Abraham...to view all of my life and my circumstances through God's great goodness.
Love you all!!
Hi,
I am checking in for the first time. I am also reading the Chronological Bible, NLT. What struck me on today's reading was that the journey to the mountain took three days. On the third day the sacrifice was provided so that Abraham would not have to sacrifice Isaac. His life was restored. Our Sacrifice also had His life restored on the third day. I love the foreshadowing of the Lord showing what He is capable of and what He will do.
For the sake of your map, add a pin to Waukesha, Wisconsin!
God Bless!
Debbie
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