Lay it on the Altar of Love

Genesis 22:18 (NIV) "...and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Many of us have used the phrase, "lay your Isaac down," but I wonder how many of us could do this. It would require we identify that which means so much to us we would rather die than part with it (or them). Abraham's call was to go a step further and lay down the life of his most precious son to prove his love for God.

It is easy to become attached to things and to people. Then when the threat of losing that which we cherish so much looms, we become fearful or maybe possessive. Many a parent tries to hold on to their children, keeping them under their wings longer than necessary or healthy.  It is hard to let go of that which we love so dearly.

Following Abraham's obedience and willingness to God's call to sacrifice Isaac, his only son God blessed not only Abraham but offspring of all nations on earth. When we learn to value God more than our possessions, we too will be blessed beyond belief.  Our faith in God grows through adversity. It isn't always pleasant, but it is always best.

Hanging on to things, valuing the material stuff this world has to offer, doesn't fill the emptiness. Is it time to take an inventory of our heart?  Is your most valued possession not really a possession at all, but a relationship? What is God asking of you this day?  What does he want you to lay on his altar?

Genesis 22:9-19