All that we have, even our own lives and those of the ones most dear to us, belong ultimately to God, who gave them to us in the first place. The story of Abraham and Isaac assures us that God will provide, that God will be present. But the next question for us is: “How do we deal the gifts entrusted to us?”
Worship with Holy Communion:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week:
Binding of Isaac, Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14
September 17, 2017
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday, Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14, Binding of Isaac
Monday, Genesis 24:1-27, Choosing of Rebekah
Tuesday, Genesis 24:28-49, Choosing of Rebekah
Wednesday, Genesis 24:50-67, Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah
Thursday, Genesis 25:19-28, The Birth of Esau and Jacob
Friday, Genesis 25:29-34, Esau Sells His Birthright
Saturday, Genesis 26:1-33, Isaac and Abimelech
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
[God] said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” (Genesis 22:2)
Wood, fire, and knife. Father and son have all the elements required for their sacrifice to God. All but an animal to be offered, that is. Who could imagine the degree to which Abraham’s faith is about to be tested?
- How does this story make you feel?
- What do you think is the point of the story?
- When have you experienced life testing you beyond what you thought you could handle?
- Wonder: Do you think God understood Abraham’s grief when God lost Jesus to crucifixion?
PRAY: Faithful God, you do not bestow gifts only to take them away again. Train our eyes and hearts upon your steadfastness, so that we also might be found faithful to your covenant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BLESS: May God bless you when life tests you. Amen.
