What are the things that you hold the tightest to? Is it your work? Is it your health? Is it the church you attend? What would you do if God came into your life with an invitation to let go? If god is telling you to let go of something, you may not have much time to decide! You may wonder what will happen if you let go.

1 – God’s command (vs. 12-17)

This is a test of Abraham’s faith. God wanted to discover the level of Abraham’s faith. It is God who sets this test.

• Its purpose – Satan was not involved in it. Testing is sometimes part of our Christian experience. We don’t like tests! See James 1:2.
• Its enormity – Trials and tests of our faith are to be expected. How much do you trust God with what is dear to you?

2 – Abraham’s response (vs. 3-10)

• Listening (vs. 1) – The lines of communication were open to God. When God calls Abraham he responds immediately.
• Immediate (vs. 3-4) – It is difficult to be obedient when it is hard to obey. The next day he is ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. There is no mention of him bargaining with God.
• Worshipful (vs. 5-8) – Abraham was a worshipping man. It was the greatness of God that nourished his faith. Abraham knew that if he was faithful to God that God would be faithful to him.
• Precise (vs. 9-10) – See Hebrews 11:17. God would raise Isaac from the dead! If it doesn’t make sense then God will make it make sense.

3 – Heaven’s provision (vs. 11-14)

• Divine interruption – God lets Abraham get to the very point when the knife is in the air, ready to plunge into Isaac. If God doesn’t stop Abraham then the knife is going into the boy.
• Jehovah-Jireh – God spares Isaac and provides a substitute to be sacrificed.
• Covenant continuity – Abraham was confident that the boy would live again. Why? Isaac was the promised son and had to live, or else God was a liar. He knew that God keeps his promises.
• Behold the Lamb of God – This incident is a strong foreshadow of Christ being a substitute for our sins. A lamb is provided by God to be offered as a sacrifice for sins.

4 – Our response

• Release your grip – We are to hold lightly to those things that we hold with white knuckles. We are to hold on tighter to God in faith.
• Releasing brings blessing – Abraham is an example. He is blessed as a result of his letting go.
• Obedience brings reward – The obedience of Abraham also brings blessings. Obedience is not without reward from God.

Categories: Genesis