Hebrews 11:17-19 — Promise-Killer...?!?!??

READ THIS: Hebrews 11:17-19

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

We actually talked about Abraham a few days ago, here, in reference to Genesis 11. Today, we're referencing Genesis 22! Can you imagine having a faith so great that you get talked about in the Hall of Faith twice. Last time, we talked about Abraham picking up and going where God wanted him to, believing crazy promises that came true. Part of what came true was having a son! God had made a lot of promises when it came to Isaac, and, yet, God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac before those promises were fulfilled. 

Abraham willingly starts to offer Isaac, but God stops Abraham, providing a ram for a sacrifice instead. But, how many of us would be willing to give up something that was promised? If my mom promised that I could have the pregnant dog we found and that I could keep the puppies, but then told me to kill the dog, I would be greatly confused. I would refuse to do it! But, Abraham was confident that one way or the other, God would remain true to His promise, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. (Or, the better way, giving Abraham a different sacrifice).  

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. A lot of people when they read the story of Abraham, Isaac, and the ram make a connection to Jesus. What are some different ways this story connects to the story of God, us, and Jesus?
 
2. What's something you have given up for God/Jesus before? Did God give you anything else in return?

TRY THIS:

Give something to someone today! Give it freely without hesitation, knowing that whatever you give is so much less than anything God can give you! (Feel free to make something etc etc)(Bonus points if it's a stranger/not best friend that you give it to!)

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
Welcome to the new song of the week! (Youtube link). Over the past few days, we've talked about the Promised Land and where our true homeland is. As we read the next stories, think about where you truly belong and what promise that God makes which means the most to you--so much so that you would leave everything else behind for it! Even things you thought God promised!




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