“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams,” (I Samuel 15:22).
Perhaps Abraham felt the meaning of this verse more than anyone. “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God,” (James 2:23). Have you ever contemplated what it cost Abraham to be the friend of God? Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him as righteousness. Conceivably there is no greater demonstration of belief than when Abraham willingly obeyed God and laid his son, Isaac, on the altar with the intent of sacrificing him. But God provided a sacrifice and Isaac was never required of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-13). God never wanted Isaac. He wanted all of Abraham.
Isaac couldn’t be the most important thing in Abraham’s life. God must be the most important thing in all of our lives. Isaac was the one thing that could stand in the way of God reigning supreme in Abraham’s life. So, God required Abraham to believe in Him and love Him enough to put aside EVERYTHING else but God. What is your Isaac?
Give your Isaac to God. He will provide, protect, and prepare you for all that is ahead! Remember Jesus loves you. You are loved!