We resist obedience almost from the womb. Little children disobey to assert their will and see what will happen. Teenagers disobey to assert their growing independence. Even adults are prone to dissent until they can obey with their pride intact, "I'm only doing it because I want to."
Two weeks ago one of my Lent scripture readings was the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. (Genesis 22) The ultimate test of obedience: let something go we treasure and love with a passion. As I reflected on the passage I wrote some observations in my journal about how Abraham handled this situation.
1. Upon hearing this instruction from God Abraham immediately acts. He got up early the next morning and set out. He didn't spend a lot of time pondering the instructions, instead he obeyed immediately.
My take away: how often to I hesitate? How does my hesitation move me toward disobedience?
2. Abraham didn't tell anyone. He heard from the Lord and it was between him and the Lord. Abraham loved Isaac and would not have wanted to do this. Abraham didn't talk to others as they would likely have tried to talk him out of it - especially if he had told his wife Sarah.
My take away: When I know the Lord has spoken to me on something, do I allow others to talk me out of it?
3. Abraham has past experiences with the Lord that have shown him the character of the Lord. Abraham knows knows the Lord will not break the covenant He has made with Abraham, even though Abraham has failed in the past. Abraham trusts the Lord.
My take away: Do I look at the ways the Lord has taken care of me in the past despite my failures? Do I really trust Him?
4. When Isaac turns to (vs7) Abraham and asks where the sheep for the burnt offering was, Abraham likely looks his son in the eye and states, "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering my son." And they both walked on together. Isaac accepts his father's answer. Abraham was resolute and his posture in faith and obedience influences his son to also take an accepting posture.
My take away: when I am resolute in obedience others will be influenced.
5. When Isaac turns to (vs7) Abraham and asks where the sheep for the burnt offering was, Abraham likely looks his son in the eye and states, "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering my son." And they both walked on together. Why does Abraham answer the question this way? It is interesting to me that Abraham doesn't use this opening to blurt out any inner turmoil. He doesn't say "God has asked me to do the unthinkable!" or "God is testing me!" or even "God asked me to sacrifice you Isaac!" In spite of any doubts or questions Abraham may have had, he didn't give them expression. He stays resolute in his obedience and doesn't melt in emotion.
My take away: How often, when I'm asked to do something I deem difficult do I stay resolute? Unfortunately not often. Too often I melt in emotions and the seeming unfairness of it all.
6. The Lord intervened. "Abraham! Don't lay a hand on the boy!" God took care of Abraham and Isaac because Abraham proved by his actions that he loved the Lord his God so much he wasn't willing to withhold anything from Him. Because Abraham had been obedient, "through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed." (vs 18) God hugely blesses Abraham's obedience way beyond a "normal" blessing and He rewards him in a BIG way. Abraham is recorded as a hero of faith in the book of Hebrews.
My take away: The Lord's heart is FOR me. He has given EVERYTHING - for He didn't spare HIS own son - Jesus. When He asks me to obey Him He knows the ending, He knows the blessing in store.
until next time...
and the greatest of these is love
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