October 5, 2026

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.‘” (Genesis 22.2)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

There are two phrases which truly stand out in this verse of scripture which I want to bring your attention to.

The first is “your only son, Isaac, whom you love.” We know, of course, that Abraham had two sons Ishmael born to Hagar, Sarah’s handmaiden and Isaac born to Sarah in her old age. There is little doubt that Abraham loved both his sons. So why would God be very clear to Abraham about Isaac? We know that Hagar and Ishmael had been sent out into the desert as if they were scapegoats. Sarah had made the request reminding Abraham of God’s promise concerning his legacy of being the father of nations. Had Abraham forgotten? Of course, he had not. Yet a father’s love is not so easily abandoned and siloed. It would be easy for Abraham to be caught in a quandary as we considered the grief he experienced upon Ishmael expulsion. However, in the healing process, God is certainly transitioning Abraham back to the narrow path. He is reminding him to not be ruled by his compassion and feelings but the reality of a father’s love is aligned with the mission and purpose. Beside, Ishmael is not gone and his “fortune” is already established as Hagar has arranged his marriage and his promise is given by God. Now, the field of vision is clear. There is only Isaac and only Isaac to love.

The second phrase is “I will show you.” Abraham is continually asked by God to put his trust in Him. When Abraham was first called to follow God, it was said, “Go, and I will show you the place where I want you to go.” Some would consider this as “blind trust.” We must remember the biblical description of faith as “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Abraham is certainly being tested in the area of faithfulness. It is not because he lacks faith but so that his faith will become a default thought and action with every step. As none of us known what tomorrow will bring, we too, but trust in God and put our faith in Him to lead, guide and direct our steps and our thinking.

TODAYS’ PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness endeavor, but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.