It was a three day journey with two servants, a donkey laden with supplies, a young son approaching manhood, a heavy heart and an avalanche of unanswered questions badgering his thinking. Nonetheless, his faith was anchored in the promises of God and a dependence on Him that defied reason. Nothing really made sense, but still he plodded onward. God had prepared the place of sacrifice and it only remained for Abraham to meet God there. Isaac himself was a bit perplexed, but he would never think to do other than what his father asked him to, and his faith in the God of his father grew more solid with the passing of time. Abraham was certain he understood what God had promised. The bronzed and lithe young man who walked beside him was only the first of his own flesh and that of his wife, Sarah, but the promise was for offspring that would outnumber the stars of the sky. And the offspring would come through this child he loved and delighted in. Surely, God had spoken clearly enough, and Abraham understood. But these last words from God held a premonition that Abraham refused to acquiesce to.

 

Abraham’s obedience emerged from the strength of his God-given faith. What kind of faith could do such a thing? It was a faith willing to demonstrate itself by saying "yes" to what appears to us as unreasonable, contrary to an established covenant, and even horrendous. New Testament teaching is clear that faith without the works that proceed from faith is dead. Abraham’s faith was very much alive. It was a heart-aliveness that said yes to an unheard-of-sacrifice even though, ultimately, God provided a different sacrifice. It was a faith that wanted and loved God Himself more than the choicest of His blessings. God held the place of utmost prominence in Abraham’s priorities. Abraham’s faith also knew that God was fully in control and that although his own questions could not ascertain the how of God’s provision, Abraham knew the provision would take place.

 

Abraham’s love for God far exceeded his love for his own child, and thus, the surrender God asked of him was met. God does not ask us today to place the child we have birthed on a literal altar to become a burnt sacrifice. But God does ask us to let go of our children for His purposes, and He asks us to open our hearts to release whatever it is we want to hold on to. A surrender like Abraham’s can be scary, uncertain, contrary to what seems reasonable, or simply uncomfortable or restrictive, but our willing sacrifices can also be a demonstration of the love we have for the One who has given to us limitless and indescribable, perfect love, vibrant with the promises of His resources.