By faith Abraham, when he was tested,

.... offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son (Hebrews 11:17). God told Abraham to  offer up the son he loved, as a bunt offering.  But at the last minute had provided a lamb as a substitute (Genesis 22:2, 8, 13). God had  promised to make Abraham a great nation through Isaac (21:12).  Here in Hebrews we learn that he “reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death” (verse 19). There is much to say about the horror of this story. Some say it's about God showing He does not require child sacrifice (Jeremiah 32:35). For sure it's a picture of God offering up His only begotten Son Jesus, as the Lamb of God for the sins of the World (John 3:16; 1:29). God did not spare His Son (Romans 8:32). We also need to know that God never asks us to do something He himself has not already done in spades. It is important to note too,  that this was before the Commandment “Thou shalt not murder” (Exodus 20:13). It would have been murder and God will not command you or I to murder. He will not command something He has now forbidden in His Word!

But this morning's verse is not about any this, of this,  it's about the obedience of faith. In terms of application in my own life, it is about holding onto something too tightly. There are many things in life, including our children, that can become more important to us than God. In my opinion,  this is very likely to happen at some time in our lives.  At such times, these thing have become idols!  But we are not our own,  we are purchased from the slave market of sin by the precious blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).  And this being the case, God has every right to test us to see what is in our heart (Deuteronomy 8:2). Of course God already knows, but we might not, or we may be in denial about it, such as is the case with our addictions. And there are many hidden addictions.

I remember years ago a pastor leading us in an exercise to stretch out our hands in front of us,  and to offer up to God what was most precious to us.  It is scary to do that, for we might not receive it back.  When I did that,  I received a promise that in His time I would receive it back, and I am still waiting for the fulfillment of this promise. I heard an illustration one time that we need to hold onto things as you would a little yellow bird. If we hold too tight we will crush it, if we hold too lightly we will loose it. I had to let go fully, it was very difficult, but I am holding on to the promise. After all God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).  

Father, You are a jealous God and we must have no other gods, no idols before You (Exodus 20:3).  When You test us, it's for our good, but it can be hard Lord. But holding onto anything too tightly is destructive and You are all about our provision and protection. Thank You that You work all things for our good (Romans 8:28) in Jesus Name Amen.