WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: We worship the same God who provided the ram for Abraham on Mount Moriah. Thank him for the ways he has provided for you. God comes first If the angel had not called out his name at that precise moment, I am quite sure that Abraham would have followed through and killed his son. God is certainly satisfied on this point (v 16). Knowing that Abraham’s love for him outweighs absolutely everything else, the way for blessing is open wide (v 17). God had no desire for human blood. He was not sadistically toying with Abraham’s emotional and mental health. He needed to know, and he needed Abraham to know, that he came first. What does it mean for us? What does it mean to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds and all our strength? For each of us it will be a different idol that needs releasing. Jesus challenged the rich young ruler to give away his possessions. He asked his disciples to leave their homes to follow him. Abraham was challenged to place his own son on an altar. What is it that vies for that place of supremacy in our devotion? Respond: ‘Lord, I know that my affections are divided, and there is part of me that wants it to stay that way. But you held back nothing from me, not even your very own Son, and you deserve everything in return. Help me to love you with all that I am.’ http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-04-20