Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of October 17, 2021

Weekly reading: Genesis 21-25; Psalm 57-58
Passages referenced: Genesis 17, 22; Romans 12

“God’s best gifts must be sacrificed and surrendered back to God to be properly used. So as with Abraham, God will bring us to a Mount Moriah, a place where we have to sacrifice our Isaac, lay down the very best gifts he has given us. Of course, God gave Isaac back to Abraham, and he wants to give our surrendered Isaacs back to us. Having placed them on the altar of sacrifice, we can then love them and use them, no longer in an idolatrous way but in the way God intended all along.” – Stephen Seamands

We all have things we hold dearly in our lives. It can be objects, relationships, beliefs, any number of items. Whatever it is we treasure, God wants to free our hearts from the hold of worldly treasures. He wants to release us from ties that could stand in the way of our relationship with Him. Genesis 22 is a gut-wrenching example of how important it is that we worship the Lord with an undivided heart. Each of us should read this passage asking ourselves, “What or who have I made an ‘Isaac’ in my heart?”

To provide a little background, let’s revisit how Abraham came to idolize his son. Abraham and Sarah were both in their nineties when the Lord appeared to them in Genesis 17. The first words from God are “I am the Almighty God,” an introduction that makes clear nothing is impossible for Him. He assures the old couple of His promise that they will have a child. God says that Sarah will bear a son within the year. Not surprisingly, Abraham laughs. God seizes this opportunity and gives them a name for their future son. In Hebrew, the name Isaac means ‘he laughs.’ Indeed, Isaac will be a source of great joy.

As promised, later that year, the impossible happens, and Isaac is born. To his parents, Isaac embodies God’s faithfulness; he is a miracle child; he is a beloved son. For all these reasons, Abraham begins to idolize his heir. Consequently, the stage is set for Genesis 22 and the testing of Abraham’s faith.

The reality is we all have an “Isaac.” God tested Abraham’s faith in an unusual way by asking him to sacrifice his one and only heir. Whether or not we are tested, we too need to be willing to examine our hearts and lay aside anything we have made an idol. For you, it could be something that brings you joy and laughter. It might be the one person you believe God put on earth especially for you. Your “Isaac” may be the investments that ensure you have a comfortable life when you retire. It could be your family. Take a little time to reflect. What is the good thing you are tempted to idolize above the Lord?

God not only wants us to be free from idols, in Christ, we are called to offer our whole lives to the Lord. The twelfth chapter of Romans says, “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The Christian life truly begins when we learn the importance of sacrifice, laying down our rights so that we can enjoy the fullness of life, joy, and freedom in Christ alone.

This week, spend time sorting out what may be getting in the way of your devotion to Christ alone. Take moments throughout the week to give thanks to God, knowing that the same God who gave a son to a ninety-nine-year-old Abraham gave His Son for us. And He can transform our lives by His Holy Spirit as we turn over our idols to Him. Finally, ask Him to daily help you focus on His great mercy and grace and empower you to be a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to Him. – Nate Metler

Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.