17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom he had been told, "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you." 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
THOUGHTS:
Hebrews is in interesting book in the Bible. Scholars can't agree on when it was written or who the author is. It was probably originally a sermon rather than a letter. The main image developed in this sermon to a mixture of Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians is of Jesus the Christ as the eternal high priest who fulfills and completes the Jewish system of sacrifice.
In the passage above, we see Abraham's faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead if he went through with the sacrifice. (If you don't know this story, see: http://lentendevotions.blogspot.com/search/label/Isaac ).
The writer here is almost like saying "Abraham knew God could resurrect someone before it has been done, and now it has been done..." Abraham's faith in God is so great, that he is the bedrock character of faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Many of us read the story of Abraham in Genesis 12-25, and seeing Abraham's faith, we are blown away. The amount of trust he places in God seems utterly crazy!
Yet, we too are called to place our trust in God. Most of tend to want to call the shots ourselves. (I know I do sometimes.) Take some time to think about how you can more completely trust in God. Think about how your faith is your conviction in things that cannot be seen.
PRAYER:
God, sometimes we think we already have all the answers, and we want to take control of our world. Thank you for reminding us in scripture an din our lives that everything belongs to you. Help us to trust you more, and to follow where you lead us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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