Obedience is sacrifice, so where’s the sacrifice?
This is a question I’ve had on my heart.
This culture I live in is designed so that I can go nearly a whole day without making any sacrifices. I can eat what I want, when I want. I can hang out with the friends of my choosing. I can wear what I want. I can spend all my time how I choose. I can live selfishly.
But then, where’s my cross?
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
Abraham obeyed without hesitation, climbing the mountain with his son. The promised son, for whom he had waited.
“Where is the animal for the sacrifice?” Isaac asked.
“God will provide,” Abraham responded, knowing fully that the cost of obedience may be his own son.
But on a mountain of total surrender, Abraham laid down his hopes & dream on the altar, through his son. He was ready to sacrifice it all for the sake of obedience.
He trusted in the Lord’s provision to fulfill. He trusted that God’s will was better than his.
In Abraham’s weakest moment of strong obedience, the Lord provided:
a ram in the thicket.
I see it now.
In my weakest moment of strong obedience, the Lord provides:
the Lamb of God.
So, I will walk towards the land of Moriah.
I’ll climb mountains to obey.
I’ll look for altars to sacrifice on.
“On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
Jehovah-jireh.
I know He will provide again today.
[Exodus 19]
MADELINE JOHNSON 