Has God ever asked you to do something that you were sure would cost you everything?
I have. It was twenty years ago now that God laid a duty upon me that I was sure would result in massive loss. He called me to pursue justice for victims of crimes committed by a powerful man who was protected by powerful people and institutions. I knew I would never succeed, I was sure I would lose everything in the process, and yet I knew God was commanding me to do this.
Sometimes obedience to God’s commands will cost us a lot. It may cost us everything.
That’s what happened in Genesis 22 when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son. And yet, although the expected cost of obedience was massive, the eventual blessing was even bigger.
OBEDIENCE WILL COST US
- Loss of money
- Loss of family
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of friends
- Loss of job
- Loss of health
- Loss of usefulness
When God’s commands are expensive, our confidence in God is is exhibited.
What encouragement is there to obey?
OBEDIENCE WILL BLESS US
- Personal blessing (17a)
- Family blessing (17b)
- Worldwide blessing (18)
Obedience may be expensive but it’s always worth it.
LIVING THE BIBLE
When God commands us to do something that will cost us everything, trust him to bless that obedience to everyone. It happened in Abraham’s case. It happened in my case. It will happen in your case too.