Thoughts from the story of Abraham

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son at God’s command fully demonstrated his love and trust in God. I must be willing to give up anything for God; if there is anything I do not want to give up, it stands between me and Him as an idol, something that severs my connection with the Life-Giver. Abraham loved Isaac, but he loved God more. It is right to love, lawfully, as long as the object of our love does not take the place God should occupy—the receiver of our supreme affections, our deepest love.

The story of Abraham is the story of a man who was called the friend of God (James 2:23). If we are Christ’s, then we are considered the children of Abraham (Gal. 3:29). If we are his children, then we will bear his characteristics, for children carry on the traits of their parents. One of the characteristics that I admire about Abraham is his courtesy. Despite his high social status, Abraham performed the role of a servant when he saw three dusty travelers pass by his place. He bowed before these “common travelers” and urged them to partake of his hospitality and be refreshed from their journey. He provided them water to wash their feet, and with his own hands prepared a meal for them. His heart overflowed with love for God and selfless love for his fellowman. Abraham had the mind of Christ (Phil. 2). May God grant us also the same mind: a servant’s heart.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Hand of Christ

Image
Behold the sea of starlight broad,     Beyond our highest thought. Behold the mighty hand of God     Its length and breadth allot. Look now! That hand scoops up the dust     And shapes a masterpiece, As angels watch with voices hushed     Each lineament released. Behold again, this mighty hand     Outstretched to set them free Who years had slaved in Egypt’s land,     But now salvation see. Then watch that hand appear as flame,     Engraving in the stone The law expressing His own name     And timeless as His throne. But what is this? A tiny hand     'Round mother’s finger wrapped! Oh Earth, why would a love so grand     Your darkest town attract? Young hands are bearing water, wood,     The hammer, and the saw, Rejoicing still in servanthood     As when they traced th...
Read more

Witness

Image
In the palace of the high priest stands a Captive, Bound behind His back the kindest hands to live. Frenzied priests are searching madly for a witness To condemn the One who's healed all kinds of sickness. Those arise and testify who do not know Him, Bear false witness, with conclusiveness but dim. One by one each testimony of what He said Makes it clear a faithful witness now is needed. Oh disciple, rise and testify for Jesus! You who know the One who pledged to never leave us, Why sit silent in the crowd of unbelievers? Light of Truth will...
Read more

Genesis 24 - A Study on Prayer

Image
Artist Unknown Genesis chapter 24, the story of Abraham's servant Eliezar finding a wife for Isaac, is laced with a rich study on prayer. Faith in the Promise Gen. 24:7—Abraham recounts God's sure promise  and assures Eliezar that he would have success in his journey, evidencing a rock-solid faith . Faith in God's promise without a shred of doubt is the basis of true prayer. See Heb. 11:6. Pray Before Work Gen. 24:12— Before beginning his work, the faithful servant prays. "Every morning take time to begin your work with prayer. Do not think this wasted time; it is time that will live through eternal ages. By this means success and spiritual victory will be brought in. The machinery will respond to the touch of the Master’s hand. God’s blessing is certainly worth asking for, and the work cannot be done aright unless the beginning is right. The hands of every worker must be strengthened, his heart must be purified, before the Lord can use him effectively....
Read more