We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Joe Mummert.
Bible Reading:
Hebrews 11:17-2217 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
Word:
In this passage of Hebrews, we get many examples of faith- multiple generations of faith. However, the one that has always stood out to me the most was when Abraham takes Isaac up on the mountain with the intention to sacrifice him. I can’t imagine the anguish and internal turmoil that Abraham must have been going through during his walk up the mountain.
In verse 19 we get a glimpse into what Abraham was thinking “Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead…” so we see here that obviously Abraham had to “reason” with himself to carry out such a faithful act.
On the flip side of this, I have always seen this trip up the mountain from Isaac’s side as well and in my opinion is a perfect picture of when Jesus tells us we must have faith of a little child. On the way up the mountain, Isaac asked his father where they were going, what they were doing and must have been confused by the answers he kept getting. However, we see no record of Isaac asking to back out, asking for deeper explanation, or any instance of panic and fear. Isaac was set on following his father and taking hold of the promises he was given by his father.
Prayer:
God, help me to follow you, especially when the journey is unclear and the only thing I have to hold onto is your promise that it will be ok! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Skillwork:
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