Have you broken your box for Him?
“And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.” (Mark 14:3)
My goodness, what a picture we see here. How many stories this one passage of scripture could tell. Honestly dear one’s, I admit I was in no mood to write anything down, and I prayed and asked for a “copy and paste” devotional. I came upon the scripture above and I didn't even get to read the devotional that went with it, when I heard that sweet voice speak so gently, “would you deny me?” Immediately my thoughts turned to my own alabaster box, and the price Jesus paid on the cross so that I could break it for Him. (I laughingly said, “you are going to make me do it aren’t you”?) Needless to say, I was in better spirits and more than willing after hearing the voice of my Savior.
Let’s take a look at what is going on here in this scripture. Jesus is sitting down to eat in the house of Simon the leper. This was the "feast" day of the Passover so I’m sure more people are gathered in this place than just your “dinner on a Thursday night” crowd. Then there came a woman through the door. Uninvited to this particular house I’m sure, but if she was invited, she was arriving very late and getting more than just a glance or two. This woman has just interrupted dinner. Not only that, but she’s carrying something that gets quite a bit of attention also. An alabaster box, full of extremely expensive ointment. She wastes no time, gives no introduction, and does not wait for the host to seat her. She has one thing on her mind. Her SAVIOR is in front of her and she has the opportunity to try and give HIM something in return for what he is about to do for her. Jesus made mention that she had “come aforehand to anoint my body for the burying”. She knew exactly what he was about to do for her on the cross of Calvary. Her heart cried out in anguish for Him, but also in praise. So much so that she stepped out of her place and risked shame, and embarrassment, maybe even harassment (from the Pharisees who were watching Jesus’ every move), just to do this one little thing for him.
She breaks the precious box and pours oil onto her Saviors head. I can see her there, tears in her eyes. Joy mingled with sorrow as she anoints the very head of God. Then something unexpected happened. People were getting indignant! They look at her as if she had three heads and marvel at the fact that she has just “wasted” the ointment in the box. “Look what she’s done! That could have been sold for a lot of money and now look where it is, she’s CRAZY!” And indeed she was. Crazy about her Master.
The part I love most about this story is that Jesus was a little indignant himself. Not at her, but at those who troubled her. I’m not sure about you, but I would never want to hear Jesus speak to me like he did to the men that were giving this woman a hard time. “Let her alone, why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me!” I can see him looking at her with such love, and sitting very still and quite, with a little smile, while she makes a fuss over him. Her actions touched the heart of Jesus. So much that He declared her actions would be written down and remembered as a memorial for HER. And here they are.
Well now. Don’t you know that I feel horrible right about now? I almost let my selfishness and bad mood keep me from breaking my box for him. (Guilt? Party of 1?) But instead I decided after all He’s done for me, chucking my issues was no big deal. And honestly, compared to the cross, anything that He would ask of me is no big deal.
My question to you today brothers and sisters is this. Have you broken your box for him today? Have you made up your mind that despite you situation and circumstance, you are going to take up your cross? I have. I’ve made up my mind today that no matter the cost, I will be crucified with Christ and live! Not I but Christ that lives with in me! I am sure I will pay a great price for doing so sooner or later, but it’s all worth it. I’ll break my box today, and try to touch the heart of the One that loves me so.
Most kind and precious Father, I reach out to you now. I ask forgiveness first for all the opportunities I have missed to break my alabaster box for you. I thank you Father that you sent your only Son to die for me. I am undeserving of it, but so thankful that it will take me a life time in heaven to even come close to telling you how much I love you for it. Help me always, Father, to see the opportunity that I can do something for you. I want to be so close to your heart. Dwell with me today, take not your spirit from me, but draw me ever so close to your tender loving side. In Jesus name.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Midnight Song
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-40
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them" (Acts 16:25).
When was the last time someone continued an annoying habit until you wanted to scream? I recall a bumper sticker that read, "I have one good nerve, and you're on it." The apostle Paul was no stranger to this feeling.
As Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were going to the place or prayer one morning, they encountered a demon-possessed slave girl. This girl was able to predict the future, and her owners were exploiting her for a great deal of money. When she saw the missionary band, she began to follow them shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved" (Acts 16:17). For days she continued to follow them until Paul lost his patience. Tired of the unwanted demonic testimony, he commanded the demon to leave the girl.
Few of us have ever encountered a demon-possessed slave girl. But all of us have felt exactly like Paul when he finally had enough! As he and the others tried to preach, teach, and meet for prayer, this young, disturbed woman followed them and shouted incessantly. Obviously the apostle tried not to react, but after many days he became troubled.
The apostle had to do something about his frayed nerves, and he commanded the spirit to come out of the girl. As a result, her exploiters lost a source of income. They were more than troubled. They were incensed. Paul and Silas ended up being dragged into the marketplace to face the authorities, not because of the charges being made against them, but because they ruined a good scheme. The magistrates had them stripped and beaten. "After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks" (Acts 16:23-24).
The two bloodied servants of God were taken to a dungeon and placed in stocks, unable to move, pain wracking their bodies. Though they were bound in iron chains, they found freedom to sing. We cheat the faithful servants from showing us God's glory if we believe God anesthetized their pain. Death would have been a relief. The challenge of their moment was living until the pain became bearable.
Pain is never more vivid than in the midnight hour. The night lacks the kindness of the day when the demands and activities distract. Bound in stocks, each time their hearts beat every nerve ending throbbed with pain. In spite of their anguish, their prayers ascended before the throne and God gave them "songs in the night" (Job 35:10).
Prayers come naturally when we are distressed, but songs? Finding notes is difficult when your body is gripped with pain. Nonetheless, a few notes found their way into a melody, and their melodies turned into hymns. Every stanza issued a fresh strength, and their voices were unchained—penetrating walls and bars.
The most difficult part of my service as a Sunday school teacher has been watching my members bury loved ones. Several years ago one of my members lost her fifteen-year-old son in an automobile accident. I will never forget accompanying our friend to the funeral home and helping her choose a casket. All four of us walked to the car and drove away without saying a word. Within a couple of blocks, one of us began to cry, and then the rest joined her without saying a word. After several minutes of silence, another began to sing with broken notes, "I love you, Lord.and I lift my voice.to worship You.O, my soul rejoice." I could hardly believe the nerve of my fellow member to sing at a time like that. Before I could look at her with proper horror, the mother's best friend joined in, "Take joy, my King, in what you hear.may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."
The words fell from their lips a second time and to my shock, the brokenhearted mother began to sing. If she could sing, I knew I could not remain silent. We sang the rest of the way home that day. Not one of us had a solo voice, and yet I wonder if I will ever hear a sound so beautiful again. I knew that day what God meant when He told us to lift up the sacrifice of praise. When praise is the last thing that comes naturally to us and we choose to worship Him anyway, we've had the privilege of offering a genuine sacrifice of praise.
In their bondage, Paul and Silas were free to sing. They were also free to stay. Finally their songs were eclipsed by the rumblings of an earthquake. The foundations of the prison trembled before an awesome God. The prison doors flew open, every chain was loosed, and the jailer drew his sword to kill himself. Paul's words penetrate my heart: "Don't harm yourself!" (Acts 16:28). How many people have sought to harm themselves over hopelessness? The jailer knew he would be held responsible for their escape. "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" shouted Paul.
Sometimes God frees us from chains so we can turn our backs on our slavery and walk away like Peter in Acts 12. He was free to leave. As a result, the church that was praying for his release was edified. Other times God frees us from chains so we can remain where we are to share the message of freedom with other captives. Paul was free to stay. Because he did, a man asked, "'What must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:30). And an entire household found sweet liberty.
When we sing a midnight song or speak praises in the darkest hours, the chains of hopelessness not only drop from our ankles but sometimes from the ankles of those who listen. We can preach the gospel in many ways, but the message is never more clear than when God's people refuse to cease their praises during intense suffering.
Lord, please grant me the grace to worship You in times of suffering. Thank You for the example of godly men and women in the Scriptures and in my life who have demonstrated a sacrifice of praise. Help me proclaim Your salvation, whether through sharing my testimony with a friend in aerobics class, or through praises lifted in tears. Please give me a heart to love You and a mind to know You, Lord. Amen.
Adapted from To Live Is Christ, by Beth Moore
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-40
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them" (Acts 16:25).
When was the last time someone continued an annoying habit until you wanted to scream? I recall a bumper sticker that read, "I have one good nerve, and you're on it." The apostle Paul was no stranger to this feeling.
As Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke were going to the place or prayer one morning, they encountered a demon-possessed slave girl. This girl was able to predict the future, and her owners were exploiting her for a great deal of money. When she saw the missionary band, she began to follow them shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved" (Acts 16:17). For days she continued to follow them until Paul lost his patience. Tired of the unwanted demonic testimony, he commanded the demon to leave the girl.
Few of us have ever encountered a demon-possessed slave girl. But all of us have felt exactly like Paul when he finally had enough! As he and the others tried to preach, teach, and meet for prayer, this young, disturbed woman followed them and shouted incessantly. Obviously the apostle tried not to react, but after many days he became troubled.
The apostle had to do something about his frayed nerves, and he commanded the spirit to come out of the girl. As a result, her exploiters lost a source of income. They were more than troubled. They were incensed. Paul and Silas ended up being dragged into the marketplace to face the authorities, not because of the charges being made against them, but because they ruined a good scheme. The magistrates had them stripped and beaten. "After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks" (Acts 16:23-24).
The two bloodied servants of God were taken to a dungeon and placed in stocks, unable to move, pain wracking their bodies. Though they were bound in iron chains, they found freedom to sing. We cheat the faithful servants from showing us God's glory if we believe God anesthetized their pain. Death would have been a relief. The challenge of their moment was living until the pain became bearable.
Pain is never more vivid than in the midnight hour. The night lacks the kindness of the day when the demands and activities distract. Bound in stocks, each time their hearts beat every nerve ending throbbed with pain. In spite of their anguish, their prayers ascended before the throne and God gave them "songs in the night" (Job 35:10).
Prayers come naturally when we are distressed, but songs? Finding notes is difficult when your body is gripped with pain. Nonetheless, a few notes found their way into a melody, and their melodies turned into hymns. Every stanza issued a fresh strength, and their voices were unchained—penetrating walls and bars.
The most difficult part of my service as a Sunday school teacher has been watching my members bury loved ones. Several years ago one of my members lost her fifteen-year-old son in an automobile accident. I will never forget accompanying our friend to the funeral home and helping her choose a casket. All four of us walked to the car and drove away without saying a word. Within a couple of blocks, one of us began to cry, and then the rest joined her without saying a word. After several minutes of silence, another began to sing with broken notes, "I love you, Lord.and I lift my voice.to worship You.O, my soul rejoice." I could hardly believe the nerve of my fellow member to sing at a time like that. Before I could look at her with proper horror, the mother's best friend joined in, "Take joy, my King, in what you hear.may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear."
The words fell from their lips a second time and to my shock, the brokenhearted mother began to sing. If she could sing, I knew I could not remain silent. We sang the rest of the way home that day. Not one of us had a solo voice, and yet I wonder if I will ever hear a sound so beautiful again. I knew that day what God meant when He told us to lift up the sacrifice of praise. When praise is the last thing that comes naturally to us and we choose to worship Him anyway, we've had the privilege of offering a genuine sacrifice of praise.
In their bondage, Paul and Silas were free to sing. They were also free to stay. Finally their songs were eclipsed by the rumblings of an earthquake. The foundations of the prison trembled before an awesome God. The prison doors flew open, every chain was loosed, and the jailer drew his sword to kill himself. Paul's words penetrate my heart: "Don't harm yourself!" (Acts 16:28). How many people have sought to harm themselves over hopelessness? The jailer knew he would be held responsible for their escape. "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" shouted Paul.
Sometimes God frees us from chains so we can turn our backs on our slavery and walk away like Peter in Acts 12. He was free to leave. As a result, the church that was praying for his release was edified. Other times God frees us from chains so we can remain where we are to share the message of freedom with other captives. Paul was free to stay. Because he did, a man asked, "'What must I do to be saved?'" (Acts 16:30). And an entire household found sweet liberty.
When we sing a midnight song or speak praises in the darkest hours, the chains of hopelessness not only drop from our ankles but sometimes from the ankles of those who listen. We can preach the gospel in many ways, but the message is never more clear than when God's people refuse to cease their praises during intense suffering.
Lord, please grant me the grace to worship You in times of suffering. Thank You for the example of godly men and women in the Scriptures and in my life who have demonstrated a sacrifice of praise. Help me proclaim Your salvation, whether through sharing my testimony with a friend in aerobics class, or through praises lifted in tears. Please give me a heart to love You and a mind to know You, Lord. Amen.
Adapted from To Live Is Christ, by Beth Moore
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Obedience
By Oswald Chambers
His servants ye are to whom ye obey. (Romans 6:16 KJV)
The first thing to do in examining the power that dominates me is to take hold of the unwelcome fact that I am responsible for being thus dominated. If I am a slave to myself, I am to blame because at a point away back I yielded to myself. Likewise, if I obey God I do so because I have yielded myself to Him.
Yield in childhood to selfishness, and you will find it the most enchaining tyranny on earth. There is no power in the human soul of itself to break the bondage of a disposition formed by yielding. Yield for one second to anything in the nature of lust (remember what lust is: "I must have it at once," whether it be the lust of the flesh or the lust of the mind) - once yield and though you may hate yourself for having yielded, you are a bondslave to that thing. There is no release in human power at all but only in the Redemption. You must yield yourself in utter humiliation to the only One Who can break the dominating power viz., the Lord Jesus Christ - "He hath anointed me . . . to preach deliverance to all captives."
You find this out in the most ridiculously small ways - "Oh, I can give that habit up when I like." You cannot, you will find that the habit absolutely dominates you because you yielded to it willingly. It is easy to sing - "He will break every fetter" and at the same time be living a life of obvious slavery to yourself. Yielding to Jesus will break every form of slavery in any human life.
Precious heavenly Father, I want only to know that I am being obedient in every area that I need to be. Help me always to stay obedient and submissive to you will. Search me, and show me if there is any area in me that we need to change together and help me to be willing to change it. In Jesus precious name.
By Oswald Chambers
His servants ye are to whom ye obey. (Romans 6:16 KJV)
The first thing to do in examining the power that dominates me is to take hold of the unwelcome fact that I am responsible for being thus dominated. If I am a slave to myself, I am to blame because at a point away back I yielded to myself. Likewise, if I obey God I do so because I have yielded myself to Him.
Yield in childhood to selfishness, and you will find it the most enchaining tyranny on earth. There is no power in the human soul of itself to break the bondage of a disposition formed by yielding. Yield for one second to anything in the nature of lust (remember what lust is: "I must have it at once," whether it be the lust of the flesh or the lust of the mind) - once yield and though you may hate yourself for having yielded, you are a bondslave to that thing. There is no release in human power at all but only in the Redemption. You must yield yourself in utter humiliation to the only One Who can break the dominating power viz., the Lord Jesus Christ - "He hath anointed me . . . to preach deliverance to all captives."
You find this out in the most ridiculously small ways - "Oh, I can give that habit up when I like." You cannot, you will find that the habit absolutely dominates you because you yielded to it willingly. It is easy to sing - "He will break every fetter" and at the same time be living a life of obvious slavery to yourself. Yielding to Jesus will break every form of slavery in any human life.
Precious heavenly Father, I want only to know that I am being obedient in every area that I need to be. Help me always to stay obedient and submissive to you will. Search me, and show me if there is any area in me that we need to change together and help me to be willing to change it. In Jesus precious name.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Living Stones
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-6
“Ye also, like lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Peter called believers in Christ “living stones.” The New Testament contains several different Greek words for rock. Christ referred to Peter as "the rock upon which he would build his church” in Matthew 16:18,* but Peter referred to believers with a different word. He used lithos, which can refer to small or large stones.** Interestingly, lithos is also the original term used for the stone rolled away from Christ’s tomb. Wouldn’t it be something if our lives became living stones exposing the empty tomb—the proof Jesus lives? What if people were convinced we worship a living Savior simply by watching the effervescent life of the Spirit in us?
Most unbelievers still confuse Christianity and “religion.” They charge us with walking on crutches of ancient rituals and laws. They have no interest in becoming what they observe us to be: walking mummies, bound in tight bandages of lifeless religion. We are people of eternal life—but they often see us as the earthly dead.
One of the primary reasons God leaves us on earth after we receive the Savior is to demonstrate flesh-and-blood proof that Christ lives. We are set-apart from dead religion because we have a living Redeemer. As living stones, do our lives expose an empty tomb and a living, thriving, personal God? Are we proof Christ lives? Do people walk into our churches and see us as living stones gathered in a spiritual house? If so, we’ll never have to beg for visitors. People are desperately searching for signs of life. They will practically beat down our church doors if rumors of life erupt. Eternal “life” doesn’t begin when we die. It began the moment we were reborn.
To really live we need passion for Jesus and purpose to serve Him. Passion and purpose fulfill more of our human needs than health or wealth. Plenty of healthy and wealthy people feel dead, meaningless, and hopeless. We represent hope to people who may have given up on finding real life. We are stones rolled away, giving them a glance into an empty tomb. We provide evidence that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Do yourself and your neighbors a great big favor. Don’t wait for death to really live. Tell God you want to be a neon sign of life—lingering proof of the resurrection. For “as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4,).
How can you show proof of a living Savior to non-Christian friends and loved ones? Do you have a friend who needs to see Christ living and active in your life? Share what God is doing in your life and commit to be a living stone before your friend.
Get rolling, Living Stone, and show a little proof!
Lord Jesus, I want to be a living stone that exposes the empty tomb. By the power of Your Spirit, make my life so effervescent that the lost can look at me and see evidence that You are alive! Strip off the bandages of dead religion that hinder this testimony. Open my mouth to share the work of a living and active Savior in my life. In Your powerful name, Amen.
Written by: Beth Moore
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-6
“Ye also, like lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Peter called believers in Christ “living stones.” The New Testament contains several different Greek words for rock. Christ referred to Peter as "the rock upon which he would build his church” in Matthew 16:18,* but Peter referred to believers with a different word. He used lithos, which can refer to small or large stones.** Interestingly, lithos is also the original term used for the stone rolled away from Christ’s tomb. Wouldn’t it be something if our lives became living stones exposing the empty tomb—the proof Jesus lives? What if people were convinced we worship a living Savior simply by watching the effervescent life of the Spirit in us?
Most unbelievers still confuse Christianity and “religion.” They charge us with walking on crutches of ancient rituals and laws. They have no interest in becoming what they observe us to be: walking mummies, bound in tight bandages of lifeless religion. We are people of eternal life—but they often see us as the earthly dead.
One of the primary reasons God leaves us on earth after we receive the Savior is to demonstrate flesh-and-blood proof that Christ lives. We are set-apart from dead religion because we have a living Redeemer. As living stones, do our lives expose an empty tomb and a living, thriving, personal God? Are we proof Christ lives? Do people walk into our churches and see us as living stones gathered in a spiritual house? If so, we’ll never have to beg for visitors. People are desperately searching for signs of life. They will practically beat down our church doors if rumors of life erupt. Eternal “life” doesn’t begin when we die. It began the moment we were reborn.
To really live we need passion for Jesus and purpose to serve Him. Passion and purpose fulfill more of our human needs than health or wealth. Plenty of healthy and wealthy people feel dead, meaningless, and hopeless. We represent hope to people who may have given up on finding real life. We are stones rolled away, giving them a glance into an empty tomb. We provide evidence that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Do yourself and your neighbors a great big favor. Don’t wait for death to really live. Tell God you want to be a neon sign of life—lingering proof of the resurrection. For “as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4,).
How can you show proof of a living Savior to non-Christian friends and loved ones? Do you have a friend who needs to see Christ living and active in your life? Share what God is doing in your life and commit to be a living stone before your friend.
Get rolling, Living Stone, and show a little proof!
Lord Jesus, I want to be a living stone that exposes the empty tomb. By the power of Your Spirit, make my life so effervescent that the lost can look at me and see evidence that You are alive! Strip off the bandages of dead religion that hinder this testimony. Open my mouth to share the work of a living and active Savior in my life. In Your powerful name, Amen.
Written by: Beth Moore
Monday, June 1, 2009
Trust Me with Your Isaac
Scripture Reading: Genesis 22 1-19
“Then God said, ‘Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Gen. 22:2).
Isn’t today’s Scripture disturbing? We know that “for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” (Luke 12:48), but we’ll gladly step aside and allow another to be called faithful if this is the kind of sacrifice it takes. However, we can’t step aside as far as we’d like. We have more in common with Abram, “the father of many nations” (Gen. 17:5), than we might think. Consider a few comparisons.
First of all, our most profound tests involve those dearest to us. You know it’s true; you’ve been there. Each of us can vividly remember a time when God called upon us to surrender our hold and our ownership over someone we love—perhaps even someone we nearly worship.
Second, we also experience times when we believe we’ve received two seemingly diametrically opposite messages from God. Abram understood God to say he would have more offspring than the number of stars in the sky. Then he received the command to sacrifice his only legitimate heir on the altar. As we continually trust the One who called us, we will eventually recognize that God truly is Reconciler of the utterly irreconcilable.
You see, God didn’t mislead Abram. He told him to sacrifice his son on the altar and, most assuredly, Abram did. He did not slay his son. Instead, he was able to offer God a living sacrifice. Mind you, living sacrifices are not always easy to offer either. Sometimes releasing our grip on the person who remains with us can be a more painful test than releasing our grip on the person taken from our reach. We’re presented with an ongoing test during which we must continually offer our precious ones to the One who loves them most.
I see a final comparison. God used Abraham and Isaac to teach others about Himself. The substitutionary offering of the ram caught by its horns in the thicket became one of the Bible’s key images to convey the gospel message. The shadow of the cross fell on Mount Moriah that day. We all have been tied to the altar of death and then presented a chance to be loosed for eternal life by the perfect Lamb, One whose head was torn by thorns and was willing to take our place.
Our present challenges may not be as dramatic as Abram’s, but we, too, can allow our lives to become visual aids through which God teaches others about Himself—and His faithful ways. I ask you now to read the words God gave me during a time when He led me to my own Mount Moriah. Only you know how this message applies to you. Please allow God to speak to your heart.
For every Abraham who dares to kiss a foreign field where glory for a moment grasped Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God speaks not but once but ‘til traveler hears “Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice. What lovest thou the most? Look not into the distance, you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart torn between two loves, the one your vision can behold the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham with your gravest fear? Will you pry your fingers loose and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises? Hold them tight instead!I am the Lover of your soul— the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham when blinded by the cost. Arrange the wooded altar and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see— the ram caught in the thicket there to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount to walk right by your side. No longer in your iron grasp but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind and sweep him from your sight to better things beyond your reach— believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham. Can you count the stars? Multitudes will stand to reap from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one; bow to me as Lord. Trust me with your Isaac— see, I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen.
Written by: Beth Moore
Scripture Reading: Genesis 22 1-19
“Then God said, ‘Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Gen. 22:2).
Isn’t today’s Scripture disturbing? We know that “for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” (Luke 12:48), but we’ll gladly step aside and allow another to be called faithful if this is the kind of sacrifice it takes. However, we can’t step aside as far as we’d like. We have more in common with Abram, “the father of many nations” (Gen. 17:5), than we might think. Consider a few comparisons.
First of all, our most profound tests involve those dearest to us. You know it’s true; you’ve been there. Each of us can vividly remember a time when God called upon us to surrender our hold and our ownership over someone we love—perhaps even someone we nearly worship.
Second, we also experience times when we believe we’ve received two seemingly diametrically opposite messages from God. Abram understood God to say he would have more offspring than the number of stars in the sky. Then he received the command to sacrifice his only legitimate heir on the altar. As we continually trust the One who called us, we will eventually recognize that God truly is Reconciler of the utterly irreconcilable.
You see, God didn’t mislead Abram. He told him to sacrifice his son on the altar and, most assuredly, Abram did. He did not slay his son. Instead, he was able to offer God a living sacrifice. Mind you, living sacrifices are not always easy to offer either. Sometimes releasing our grip on the person who remains with us can be a more painful test than releasing our grip on the person taken from our reach. We’re presented with an ongoing test during which we must continually offer our precious ones to the One who loves them most.
I see a final comparison. God used Abraham and Isaac to teach others about Himself. The substitutionary offering of the ram caught by its horns in the thicket became one of the Bible’s key images to convey the gospel message. The shadow of the cross fell on Mount Moriah that day. We all have been tied to the altar of death and then presented a chance to be loosed for eternal life by the perfect Lamb, One whose head was torn by thorns and was willing to take our place.
Our present challenges may not be as dramatic as Abram’s, but we, too, can allow our lives to become visual aids through which God teaches others about Himself—and His faithful ways. I ask you now to read the words God gave me during a time when He led me to my own Mount Moriah. Only you know how this message applies to you. Please allow God to speak to your heart.
For every Abraham who dares to kiss a foreign field where glory for a moment grasped Is for a lifetime tilled…
The voice of God speaks not but once but ‘til traveler hears “Abraham! Abraham! Bring your Isaac here!”
“Bring not the blemished sacrifice. What lovest thou the most? Look not into the distance, you’ll find your Isaac close.”
“I hear the tearing of your heart torn between two loves, the one your vision can behold the Other hid above.”
“Do you trust me, Abraham with your gravest fear? Will you pry your fingers loose and bring your Isaac here?”
“Have I not made you promises? Hold them tight instead!I am the Lover of your soul— the Lifter of your head.”
“Believe me, O my Abraham when blinded by the cost. Arrange the wooded altar and count your gains but loss.”
“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes until unveiled you see— the ram caught in the thicket there to set your Isaac free.”
“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount to walk right by your side. No longer in your iron grasp but safer still in mine.”
“Or I may wrap him in the wind and sweep him from your sight to better things beyond your reach— believe with all your might!”
“Look up, beloved Abraham. Can you count the stars? Multitudes will stand to reap from one dear friend of God.”
“Pass the test, my faithful one; bow to me as Lord. Trust me with your Isaac— see, I am your great Reward.”
My great and awesome God, I want more than anything to hold onto You tightly and to hold onto everything else loosely. I want to be willing to lay down my most treasured relationships and possessions at Your request. Give me a willing heart to offer those unblemished sacrifices to You. Help me to trust You fully when I seem to be getting two opposite messages from You. Thank You for providing Jesus, the spotless Lamb, to take my place on the altar. I offer myself to You today as a living sacrifice. It’s in the name of Jesus that I pray, Amen.
Written by: Beth Moore
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