One of the most difficult times in the life of Abraham is found in Genesis 22:1-19. Here the Lord asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his only son through Sarah: the son in whom the promise of Genesis 12:2-3 was to come. This account from Abraham’s life shows an amazing faith in the Lord which should be an example to all.
Key Lessons
- Abraham had his priorities in the right place. Although Abraham’s family was very important to him, the Lord was the focus and first priority in his life. It is vital that the Lord is first in our lives. In Matthew 10:37-38 Jesus said, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
- Abraham had an obedient, active faith. Just as when the Lord told Abraham to journey to a land which he did not know, Abraham obeyed when the Lord asked him to take his son to sacrifice to the Lord. This was not a simple task to complete. Abraham had to travel three days to the place where he was to sacrifice Isaac. He had to build the altar on which he was to sacrifice his son. Abraham had to tie up Isaac on the altar. Finally, Abraham had to take the knife in his hand to sacrifice his son. Abraham possessed a very strong faith in the Lord.
Hebrews 11:17-19: “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, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”
Read Week 6-Bible Stories to Share with Your Children: The Births of Ishmael and Isaac