Daily Dose 11-13-11

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

“By faith,” these two words are repeated throughout Hebrews as the scriptures show us examples of those whose faith in God lead them to do extraordinary things. How could Abraham tie his one and only son to an altar to offer him as a sacrifice? One aspect of that event that’s not recorded in scripture is the response of Isaac through the process. Was he willing to lie on the altar and be killed by the hand of his father? Reason tells us Abraham was old and probably a bit slow, Isaac was young and strong – couldn’t he have run for safety from this apparent craziness? Or, was Isaac as willing to be the sacrifice as his father was to offer him? The last part of this verse shows us a glimpse of what faith looks like combined with human reason. It made no sense for Isaac to be killed after God’s promise to Abraham. However, the strong faith of Abraham allowed his reasoning to go a step farther to reason that if he offered Isaac, God could raise Him from the dead. Did he discuss this possibility with His son? We don’t have that much detail in scripture. All we know is that Abraham and Isaac firmly believed, “the LORD will provide.” What is God asking you to sacrifice? Do you have hopes and dreams that you want, not only for your own desire, but to honor God through that dream? Think of the dreams Abraham had for Isaac yet. He was willing to sacrifice it all knowing God would make another way. When we are willing to say, “Whatever, LORD,” God will reveal the ram in the thicket!

Providing LORD, By faith I pause with a tinge of excitement. Things look bleak in many areas, but I know You will provide. I thank You in advance for Your ram…guide me to the thicket! I love You! Amen