[vc_row height=”small” el_class=”dailyBody” css=”.vc_custom_1465516518912{margin-top: -25px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][us_separator height=”10px” size=”custom”][us_image image=”31188″ size=”tnail-1×1″][us_separator height=”20px” size=”custom”][us_sharing providers=”email,facebook,twitter,gplus”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
Abraham lived where in a time where men worshipped idols of stone and wood. How was Abraham able to believe and put his trust in a God he couldn’t see or touch? By faith. Abraham put his faith in God and not his own ability to please him. Abraham had learned over the years the importance of obeying God. Offering up his son like a pagan sacrifice was the one of the greatest acts of obedience ever recorded. God was asking Abraham to choose again who he worshiped more, the God who chose him or the promised son. Abraham’s faith was tested, and strengthened. His son was spared and he learned God provides.
The Bible abounds with examples of immediate faithful obedience and unfaithful obedience. Saul, Israel’s first king, had delayed obedience, partial obedience, and conditional obedience. The spirit of God left Saul and the kingdom was taken from him and given to another.
When the word of the Lord came to Abraham, he listened, and he obeyed thoroughly, unconditionally and immediately. No grumbling no bartering, no shortcuts, no laters. (Gen 12:4, 15:6,22:16-18, 26:5, Heb.11:8,9,17) God asks no less of us as his people today. Cultural idols still surround us but the wood and stone take on different forms. And, God still comes to us and calls us to worship him and him alone. When your faith is tested, is your response immediate? Faith proceeds obedience, faith produces obedience, faith is foundational. Consider the tests God has brought to your attention this week. Listen to God’s voice leading and practice obeying immediately.
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By Donna Burns
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