Sacrificial Obedience (VB)

Can you afford to live blessed? | Text: Genesis 22

Reflection:

Abraham received what may be perceived as confusing instructions from the Lord. "Kill your only son". Why would God instruct his servant to kill the promised child? How could God command human sacrifice? How would the promises of God to Abraham be fulfilled without Isaac in the picture?

These and many other questions could have easily flooded Abraham's mind and undoubtedly did; yet he was not dissuaded or distracted from the call. The word of God tells us [v. 3] that Abraham woke up early the following morning to obey. How eager are we to obey God? How swift are our feet to run in the paths God has called us to even when those paths are difficult and they lead us on journeys to uncertain destinations? Isaac had to carry the wood that would burn him. He carried his altar in the very same way Jesus carried His cross to Calvary to die.

The sacrificial obedience of Abraham unlocked the provision and blessings of Jehovah Jireh. Many times we name-and-claim-it and declare all sorts of affirmations and seek to command blessings the we are unwilling to pay sacrificially for. Are we willing to walk the road of sacrificial obedience that God requires of us in order for us to access His blessings? When was the last time you felt your obedience? If you aren't feeling it, if it doesn't cost you, it's not a sacrifice.

Takeaway:

God requires sacrificial obedience from me

Prayer

Father I see the power of sacrificial obedience demonstrated by Abraham and Isaac in your word. It reminds me of the sacrifice you made for me by sending your only son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I thank you for your sacrifice for me and I pray that you will teach me how to live a live devoted to sacrificial obedience. In Jesus' name, amen.