“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
Genesis 22:7b-8 (NIV)
Like Father like son (or daughter)
We’ve all heard this phrase a thousand times. And we know it to be true a lot of the time. Our children pick up our habits: how we love Jesus, how we treat our wives, how we work, how we interact with the world around us, etc.
So, what kind of Faith are you teaching your kids?
I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac for the umpteenth time. And a detail I never thought about before hit me like a ton of bricks!
Here’s a snippet of the story
“Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”
Genesis 22:6-9 NIV
Isaac's Faith Opportunity
We know that Abraham was faithful in his actions. But think about Isaac. At this point, he was old enough & strong enough to carry wood up a mountain. Isaac knows there is no lamb for the offering.
Then in verse 9 something happens, “Abraham bound his son Isaac.” The only way for that to happen was for Isaac to willingly let it happen. Abraham was well over 100 yrs old. Isaac was old enough and strong enough to run away. But he didn’t! Why? I believe he had seen his father’s faith in action so many times, that he knew he could also place his faith in God without hesitation.
Do your kids see your faith in action?
Do they know they can put their faith in Jesus Christ without hesitation?
Model Faith in God
As men, it is our job to make sure that the answer to both of those questions is a resounding “yes.” Make a conscious effort daily to let your family see your faith in action.
Thad Hardin
MD5 Facilitator
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