October 9, 2013 - The Seed of Abraham

I have been studying the Fathers of our faith in preparation for our Women's Conference this Friday and Saturday. I want us to consider what it must have felt like for Abraham to begin the journey to complete God's command to sacrifice Isaac. First of all, Abraham was the father of generations to come. That was the promise. BUT, did God really say to sacrifice something so precious? The seed which would fulfill the promise? Could God have said something so absurd? How could God fulfill His word IF this was really God? Can you imagine what faith this took? I am not sure how I would have responded. That's why I am not Father Abraham. But the journey began.........and from what I read there was not a time when Abraham whimpered or stammered. He had full confidence in God's promise to him and no matter what , he was going to walk through the storm TO SEE that promise fulfilled. We never read where he questioned God, was angry with God, or tried to dissuade God. That blows me away. I cannot imagine a three day journey with Isaac at my side knowing my intentions. Did Abraham ever release his hand while walking - I might not. Did Abraham sleep as close as he could - I might have. Did Abraham shed a tear while preparing the altar and the fire - I might have acted like a crazy person. But Father Abraham appears to walk this journey with full confidence. But he was also human and with great emotions. We read this in other passages - but for this portion of scripture we see firm faith. That encourages me! You know the rest of the story - God delivered and the seed of Abraham germinated and generations to come (including us) would stand on the covenant promised to him. I have experienced great times and seasons of testing and difficulty in my life. I have experienced death to "things" I thought were God and suffered in my heart. How about you? But I can also declare that God has been faithful to me. I don't know that I have ever responded to my "death experiences" as Abraham did. I wish I could say that I had, but not really. However, I learned things about obedience, sacrifice and the faithfulness of God that have held me to my course. I felt today to bring a word of hope to someone who feels that God has not rescued them as they felt He should or even cares. GOD CARES. Sometimes our journeys are difficult, but God is greater than any challenge or difficulty. God won't let go of your hand - I know it. God is close while you sleep - I am confident in this. And God deeply cares about every moment of your day. Reread the first 7 verses of Psalm 139 today. AMAZING! Have an awesome Wednesday! PK