Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:2 (NIV)
“I pledge allegiance . . .” are words that possess significance for patriots and newlyweds. It means you can count on me. I am in this for the long haul. I’m committed to you. Note that Abraham’s test wasn’t about country or wife. His was a test about loving God more than Isaac. Did God doubt Abraham’s loyalty? Not in the least. Abraham’s obedience did not surprise God. So why the test? It was to give Abraham an opportunity to express the extent of his loyalty to God. The New Testament teaches, he “reasoned that God could raise the dead” (Heb. 11:19). Granted, there may be a hint of resurrection theology here, but the point is that Abraham trusted God even though he didn’t understand God’s directive. Abraham correctly concluded that if God allowed Isaac to be sacrificed, then God would resurrect Isaac in order to fulfill his promises to him. In any case, Abraham was confident that God would act righteously toward him. Abraham trusted God explicitly!
Abraham’s loyalty to God wasn’t exchangeable even for Isaac. If God asks for my most precious possession, how will I respond? I have pledged my allegiance to God. Like Abraham, I conclude that “my God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond anything I am able to think or imagine.” I am confident that whatever he asks of me, I am more than a conqueror through him and by his strength. I too intend to trust God explicitly.
Dear Father, thank you for giving me opportunities to express my loyalty to you. O Lord, give me the spiritual fortitude to reflect my faith in you and my loyalty to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his confidence in us and respond to him with loyal faith,