Isaac's Birth and "Sacrifice"

Scripture:

Genesis 21:1-22:19

(Today’s SOAP is based on Genesis 22:16-18)


Observation:

Reflecting on God’s covenant with Noah as well as God’s covenant with Abram (now called Abraham), consider what each man brought to the covenant -- acceptance.

Abraham accepted what God said, that his offspring would be numbered like the stars. And Abraham accepted what God said when He instructed Abraham to sacrifice his “only” son, Isaac.

As an aside, it’s important to note that Isaac was Abraham’s “only” son in that Isaac was the only son born to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham’s concubine, Hagar, had no inheritance rights. Also, at this point in his life Abraham had sent Ishmael away and had no idea where he was, in effect disowning Ishmael. So Isaac was literally the only son Abraham had.

In Abraham’s acceptance of God’s instruction, he was prepared to follow through and literally sacrifice the vessel (Isaac) intended for the fulfillment of God’s promise (offspring). I wonder if Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead?

Even though he didn’t see how God was going to fulfill the covenant, Abraham believed God and followed up that belief with action.


Application:

Just as Noah and Abraham needed to accept the covenant God offers, so must we today accept the covenant He offers - salvation through Jesus.

I can’t make anyone accept Him, but I can tell others about Him. And I can believe Him with my actions like Abraham did, by doing all He commands me to and believing He has the details covered, even when I can’t see how. :)


Prayer:

To the King, Immortal, Invisible, the only Wise God be glory and honor and power forever and ever! Thank You for offering eternal life to us! Strengthen us in Your Spirit to show our belief in You through our actions. In Jesus’ Name, amen.