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Abraham is without question the greatest hero of faith in the Old Testament. He was chosen by God to be the father of a great nation. At the time of his calling he was childless and already 75 years old.

When God first called Abraham He commanded him to leave his home and country and dwell in the land of Canaan as a stranger. God promised him three major promises. He was first promised the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Secondly, he was told that he would be the father of a great nation, although he was childless. Thirdly, he was told that in him all the families of the earth would be blessed. This last and greatest promise was a veiled promise that would be fulfilled only in Jesus. Abraham did not question God but trusted Him that He would fulfill His promises.

Abraham passed his first test of faith when he left his homeland and departed for Canaan. Another major test was being told by God that his heir would be a son born to Sarah, who was already 90 years old. But his greatest test came when told by God to offer this promised son as a sacrifice. All of the other promises depended on this male heir. If he was sacrificed, how could God fulfill the other promises? Abraham is faced with a dilemma. Does he sacrifice his son and thus eliminate the possibility of the other promises or does he obey God? Abraham decided to obey God, reasoning that He would raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill His promises.

As you read the passage reflect on how difficult it would have been to obey God under such circumstances. Does God ask us to trust Him and walk by faith today? Share some examples with each other. We have been called out of the world and promised an eternal home but in order for us to reach our goal we must a1so trust and obey. Have each family member share what it means to trust and obey. Spend time in prayer thanking God for faithful men like Abraham who by his example help us to walk by faith as we trust and obey.

Jim Leadabrand