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In Order. Be All In

January 19, 2017. Genesis 22-24.

 

Chapter 22 always has that initial GASP of horror moment, when God tells Abraham to take his son to the mountain and sacrifice him.

We all have that thing in our life that we think, “I would be able to give up anything God asked me to except for this.”  Whether it be a relationship, a possession (your home, phone, or precious memory box), or a status (followers on Instagram, career, etc.).  Abraham had just lost his wife.  His son was was the one thing he loved most on the earth, and here God tells him:

Genesis 22:2

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

Now you’re thinking, “Nope. No way he’s going to do that. No. Way.” And yet we find out Abraham takes his son, wood, and fire up the mountain.

Verse 9-10

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

Spoiler alert: The angel of the Lord steps in and says:

Verse 12

“Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Just then a ram appears.  Abraham and his son Isaac sacrifice the ram to the Lord and Abraham calls the place “The Lord Will Provide.”

Imagine you were in Abraham’s position.  God has asked you to sacrifice your most beloved.  Would you be able to?  God wants your full obedience, not just your word.  

Without a doubt, Abraham would probably say that had been the worst day of his life.  But it was also his best.  In that moment, Abraham decided he was all in with God.  Anything God asked of him from that moment on, no matter what it had been, Abraham knew that he could do it.  He knew that God would always provide for him in every situation.  It might not always be the way in which he would prefer, or would expect, but God is faithful.

When you decide to be all in with Christ, it’s not even a gamble.  If you read His word and learn His character, you KNOW he is a God of mercy and grace.  He is a god who provides.  

Decide today to be all in.  Wake up tomorrow and decide again to be all in.  When times get tough, remember God provides.  Rest in the freedom that comes with handing over your life, your entire life, to Christ.

Previous Devotional - January 18