萨拉·G.
God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. After many years of waiting, Abraham and Sarah finally received the promised son—Isaac.
One day, however, God tested Abraham and said to him:
“Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will show you.”
This was an extremely difficult command to understand. Isaac was the very son through whom God’s promise was to be fulfilled. If Isaac were lost, how could the promise come to pass?
Early the next morning, Abraham set out with Isaac and his servants. When they arrived at the place God had shown him, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it.
Isaac asked his father:
“The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham answered:
“My son, God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.”
As Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice Isaac, the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven:
“Do not lay a hand on the boy!”
God now knew that Abraham feared Him and had not withheld his most beloved son.
Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He took the ram and offered it as a sacrifice in place of Isaac.
Abraham named that place:
“The Lord Will Provide” (Jehovah Jireh).
Reflection Questions
What kind of faith did Abraham demonstrate in this story? How does his faith encourage you to remain faithful when facing difficulties and challenges?
When reading this story, have you ever wondered why God tested Abraham? What deeper purpose and significance might this test have had for Abraham?
When you face major decisions in life, do you find yourself relying more on your own abilities, or looking to God for guidance and direction?