(Third part)
Memory verse: Gen 22:1-2 " Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you ”
Abraham our father in faith was a man of sacrifices. He gave what he loved most; even God knew it and said to him, give me your son Isaac whom you love. If they were many perhaps that could be affordable, but how can you part with the only one thing that is most important in your life! Something that is irreplaceable, something without an equivalent, something you can’t buy anywhere in the world. Sacrifice is painful but gainful. Once prices are fully paid, prizes are guaranteed! But Abraham went ahead and obeyed God to sacrifice his only one son of promise, Isaac. (Gen 22: 3-10). God watched Abraham’s action and it moved Him greatly. Sacrifices done in obedience to God moves God’s heart! (Gen 22: 11-12). Sacrifice operates under the law of sowing and reaping, giving and receiving. Abraham’s sacrificial giving moved God and he provided a lamb to Abraham to offer. (Gen 22:13-14)
Benefits of sacrifices
a) Sacrifices provoke blessings of God (Gen 22:17). I know blessings of God are ours by the Grace but we access them through the ways God has provided to us through his word, and one way we tap into the blessings is through sacrificial lifestyle. It was by grace that God chose Abraham, but again there’s a way God wanted Abraham to walk.
b) Sacrifices releases multiplication (Gen 22:17). Jesus emphasized this law of sacrifice and multiplication, " if a seed falls in the ground and dies (sacrificed), it produces much grain ". God promised multitudes to Abraham like the sand of the sea and God fulfilled it, it’s your turn to turn your seeds into harvests by your sacrifices.
C) Sacrifice changes your status (Gen 22:17). God promised him that his descendants should possess the gates of the enemy. Sacrifices produce greatness. The sacrifice Jesus gave made him the king of kings and Lord of Lords. It’s your turn to turn your story. It’s all in your hands; What life you choose to live, a history reader or a history maker!
Tomorrow we shall learn about ‘The Widow’s sacrifice’
