READ
Genesis 22:1-19
REFLECT
Unbroken commitment is a mark of a true competitor. We are familiar with this term in the fitness community. Performing a series of pullups in an unbroken fashion means we do not come off the pullup bar until the entire set is complete. How does a competitor for Christ live with unbroken commitment?
DISCUSSION
- What is the most difficult exercise for you to perform 10 repetitions unbroken?
- What does it take for a competitor to go unbroken when each repetition gets extremely difficult?
Abraham was a true competitor of the faith. His relationship with God is a great example of unbroken commitment. God challenged Abraham to sacrifice what was most valuable to him – his child. As we reflect on this story we can see at least three reasons why Abraham stayed unbroken in his commitment to God:
- Abraham listened with unbroken commitment. Abraham did not pick and choose when to listen to God’s voice. When God spoke he simply said, “Here I am.” (Genesis 22:1) Abraham listened to God faithfully because he kept his heart in a constant state of worship by reflecting on the faithfulness of God. (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:4,18; 21:33) Do we listen to God’s Word with the same unbroken commitment?
- Abraham prepared with unbroken commitment. When Abraham heard God’s instruction he immediately took steps of preparation. He got up early in the morning, took two of his servants, and prepared the wood for the offering. This unbroken commitment continued when he arrived at his destination. As Abraham ascended the mountain with his son he took the sacrificial knife as he prepared for the unthinkable. Does our preparation demonstrate an unbroken commitment to God?
- Abraham believed with unbroken commitment. When it was time for Abraham to ascend the mountain we see the heart behind his obedience as he spoke to his servants. He said, “The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” (Genesis 22:5) This is the reason a competitor can remain in unbroken commitment to God. He believes God always keeps His promises.
We have opportunity every day to listen to the promises of God through Scripture. When we hear His instruction we can make preparations to obey God no matter what He tells us to do. And the reason we take these steps of obedience is because we believe He is always seeking our good. How can you know this? The apostle Paul reflected on this same thought.
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” (Romans 4:20-25)
SKILL WORK
- Set a timer for 5 minutes and list everything God has given you.
- Spend time in prayer and praise thanking God for His blessings.
- Reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. What similarities do you see in the story of Abraham?
- Commit this month to God as an opportunity to listen, prepare, and believe with unbroken commitment.
