Morning Moments

"...thine only son..."

God would later say that the descendants of Ishmael would be as wild donkeys. The truth of that is certainly seen in the age old conflicts of the Arab Muslims, but Ishmael was not the type of Christ. Isaac was.

Initially, Abram was Close to Ishmael and could not understand why he could not be the son of promise. Now he recognized that Isaac was the one who represented all that held near and dear. Now he was to place him on an altar and drive a blade into his heart. How could this be and how could he even believe God for resurrection when had never happened before?

That is what made Abram different. He believe God could do what had never before been done because He had done the impossible to bring him in by birth and He could bring him back by resurrection.

The faith life says that God can do what He says He will do even if I cannot understand how He will do it. BUT here is the clincher - my sacrifice cannot be a counterfeit. It cannot be a cheap substitute. It must be all I live and long for. It must be the only thing I don't think I can live without, that represents not only all I am, but all I ever hope to be.

What or who is your ONLY son? What are you holding on to that must die to be raised to newness of life? Today, build an altar in your heart of hearts and place this living there to die so that God can raise it to new life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you said that if I hold on to my life I would lose it, but if I lose it for your sake and the gospels, I will find it. Thank You for my resurrected life in Christ Jesus.