The Story of Isaac, Part 1 (Genesis 21-22)

I’m sure you remember that Isaac’s birth was a miracle. Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children, but it happened anyway because God had promised them a son, and God always keeps his promises. In fact, after Abraham died, all the promises God made to him were passed on to his son, Isaac. The land of Canaan now belonged to Isaac and his children. It was through Isaac and his yet unborn son that a great nation would be born, and through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Do you remember how Isaac’s life was saved by a miracle on Mt. Moriah? Abraham was about to offer him as a sacrifice, but God stopped him and provided a substitute ram to be offered instead of Isaac. I think what happened there teaches us that Isaac belonged to God because he gave himself to be offered up to God. Christian parents today dedicate their children to God, but when these same children grow up they must also give themselves to God. Have you given yourself to God to be the person he wants you to be? That’s what Isaac did. Jesus did the same thing in the Garden of Gethsemane for he prayed to his Father in heaven “not my will but Thy will be done.”