Pastor's Corner

for Sunday June 12th
Will you lay your Isaac down?
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I. He said, "Take 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." (Gen. 22:1-2) What was Abraham's test? God was testing his faith - how far will you trust me. God was testing his obedience - how far will you go in your obedience? God was testing his love - is there anything you love more than me. Abraham had been walking with God for many years and had been tested many times over the years (some of which he failed) and had come to know God as a trustworthy friend; as a holy and righteous God; as a merciful and loving God. This test wasn't made in a vacuum but was built upon Abraham's relationship with God. God will also test us and though our test will be different depending on how far we have grown in our relationship with God, I think that we are all tested with regard to the same questions that Abraham was - how much do you trust God? Is there a limit to your obedience? Is there anything more precious to you than God? So what, or who, is your Isaac and are you prepared to lay him down for God? Tough questions but ones we must answer if our relationship with God is to go deeper.
Pastor Don.