DAILY BIBLE DEVOTION

 

ABRAHAM'S SACRIFICE

Did you ever wonder what went

through Abraham's mind when he

believed that God wanted him to

sacrifice his son? Of course, at that

particular time in history, sacrifice

of the first-born was not unusual

and seen as an offering to the gods

who would then allow the rest of

the children to live. Did Abraham

think that God was like the other

gods? We will never know in this

world. But God did not want

sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice

in the heart. Abraham was

prevented from sacrificing Isaac

and was given a ram instead, and

for his willingness was promised

great blessings. What are we

willing to sacrifice for God?

Today, in America, we celebrate

our independence. Many men and

women sacrificeda great deal for

this to happen and many people all

over the world have sacrificed a

great deal for their independence,

independence from tyranny,

independence to practice their

religion, freedom from fear. Isaac

was freed so that he could become

the father of Esau and Jacob and

thereby the grandfather of Israel.

Jesus has freed us, has given us

independence from the tyranny of

law by giving us the law of love to

follow. He has freed us so that we

might experience the joys of

eternal life. We all have much to

celebrate today no matter where

we live, so let us thank God for

freedom.

PRAYER

Loving God, you gave Abraham

back his son and you give us so

much. May we always be grateful

for all your gifts, and today,

especially, we thank you for the

gift of freedom of fear of death and

the gift of salvation. Amen.