Scripture Thoughts #6

Genesis 22

We've all heard the story of Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac, and we know the purpose was to parallel Jesus' sacrifice. But I think it teaches us something else, too.

Throughout most of Genesis, we see how God was with Abraham; however, Abraham doesn't seem to do anything all that great. He makes a lot of sneaky, fearful choices. Of course no one is without sin, but his predecessor Noah was specifically called righteous, and Enoch "walked with God." What about Abraham's character?

In Genesis 22, we see the culmination of Abraham's faith: he must sacrifice the son he's waited his whole long life for. And now we see the work God did in him. He may not have started out particularly righteous or courageous, but after years of obedience and faithfulness to God, we see it proven in the most extreme way. And that's how our faith is, too - it must be grown and cultivated. We don't need to be perfect or righteous to begin following God, we just need obedience.