Sometimes God asks
for sacrifices. A classic example is that of Abraham being asked to
sacrifice his son. Abraham, determined to do as the Lord commands,
takes his son and sets of on that journey. He will be obedient. I
wonder if Abraham ever doubted, after his arm was stayed, after the
cords which bound his son were loosed, as he watched a ram sizzle
upon the alter, I wonder, if at that moment he wondered if it should
have been his son’s flesh burning. Did he question if it was
really an angel which stopped him from killing his son. Did he ever
wonder if perhaps it was a demon, or his own imagination?
Perhaps there are
times when God wants us to be willing to sacrifice everything, when
he tries our faithfulness, takes us to the edge of the cliff and then
pulls us back. Do we then, hang out on the edge of the cliff,
waiting again for God to change his mind and tell us to jump, or do
we enjoy the meadow and trees behind us? Perhaps God is saying,
“well done faithful servant. Because you were willing to give this
up, you may now enjoy it.” Because Abraham was willing to kill his
son, he was able to thereafter enjoy time with his son. Still, that
son belonged to God, and was called to a righteous purpose. Abraham
was required to raise his son in righteousness. I think of the
Israelites who were required to bring animals for sacrifice, and yet
were given a portion of the animal back to sustain them.
Yes, God requires
sacrifice, and he requires obedience, but he will bless us in ways
far beyond our comprehension. He will bless us in ways we never
thought to ask for or imagine. When he does, he wants us to enjoy
the blessings, and remember that they came from his hand. For my
blessings, I will thank God, They are a gift, given because of his
goodness, a gift I can experience because of my obedience. May my
life glorify God.
