Daily Reading: Genesis 22
Scripture Focus: And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice. (Genesis 22.18)
Devotional Thought: What could that have been like? To have God ask you to put your son on the altar of sacrifice? That is literally what God asked Abraham to do with Isaac. Yes, God himself provided the sacrifice - but only after Abraham displayed his complete and unwavering faith. God is, of course, totally opposed to human sacrifice, but he wanted Abraham to come to the point that nothing - absolutely nothing! - would come between him and his God. Even the promise itself (for God had made clear that it was through Isaac that the promise would be fulfilled) was not to be greater that the God who made the promise.
Because Abraham obeyed - and God intervened - God reiterated the promise and the call that he had originally given to Abraham when he set out: "In your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." We know, from this side of history, that the fulfillment of that promise came through Jesus Christ - the offspring of Abraham. All of humankind has been blessed with the offer of salvation through Jesus!
Take heart, dear brother and sister. You, too, can be a part of this wonderful plan. As you believe in God you are bearing the truth and light of Jesus to the world. The offspring of your faith means the salvation of those you love and pray for. But, we must be willing to put our all on the altar of sacrifice. Have you done that?
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blessed and have peace and sweet rest
As you yield him your body and soul.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the promise of your blessing. Greater than the promise to me, however, is the One who has made the promise. I yield everything to your will. Use me as you wish for your glory. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation-- 47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, 48 who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence. 49 For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. 50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever. (Psalms 18:46-50)
Comments