OBEDIENCE 

Jesus declared that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as well (Mark 12:29-31). After Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus posed a significant question to Peter: “Do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15). It is not wrong to love other things, but the priority is our love for God. 

The first mention of love in the Bible is deeply personal, highlighting Abraham’s love for his son Isaac. This love sets the stage for a profound test of obedience: God’s command to sacrifice Isaac in Moriah (Genesis 22:1-2). For over 25 years, Abraham’s journey from hopeful patriarch to father of Isaac illustrates unwavering faith amidst trials. From leaving his homeland at 75 (Genesis 12:1-4) to the miraculous birth of Isaac at 100 (Genesis 21:5). Genesis 22 captures Abraham’s ultimate act of obedience, trekking to Moriah to fulfill God’s difficult request (Genesis 22:3-4). This act exemplifies the essence of Thomas à Kempis’ words: “true obedience is immediate; anything less is disobedience" As John 14:15 suggests, our love for God is proven through obedience, which in turn deepens our intimacy with Him (John 14:21). 

There are different ways we respond to God’s commands — willingly, reluctantly, fearfully, or expectantly, and it all depends on our love for Him. Abraham’s love for God fueled his obedience. When God calls us, our response reveals our heart. Today, consider: what is God asking of you and how will you respond to His command?  

FAITH 

Genesis 22:5-7 shows us Abraham’s faith — he told his men that they will “worship and return to you.” Isaac, a young man, willingly followed Abraham’s lead towards the mount where they would perform the sacrifice. When Isaac asks where the sacrifice is, Abraham answers in v.8 that GOD WILL PROVIDE, demonstrating his faith in the Lord. Our job is to OBEY; we leave the consequences to God’s hands! Hebrews 11:6 tells us that to please God, we must have faith in Him, believing in Him and trusting that He is “a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Faith always has its object: it is faith in GOD, on His character, and His promises. 

A.W. Tozer said, “The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are at opposite sides of the same coin.” In Romans 4:20-21, Abraham was mentioned as not wavering towards unbelief but instead growing stronger in the faith during this time of testing. Hebrews 11:17-19 describes how Abraham responded in faith during this testing period, believing that God is able! 

WORSHIP 

Worship is the ultimate expression of our love for God. It means giving Him our best. In Genesis 22:9-10, Abraham followed through to the point of laying his son on the altar, even raising the knife to sacrifice him. Remarkably, Isaac did not flee; he trusted both his father and God. When adversity strikes, remember Romans 8:28: God works all things together for good, especially for those who truly love Him — those who obey, have faith, and worship. 

Genesis 22:11-14 reveals God’s intervention. Abraham’s faith demonstrated that he feared God and withheld nothing precious from Him. God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Abraham acknowledged Him as JEHOVAH JIREH, the God who Provides! Galatians 3:8-9 and 19 affirm that all nations are blessed through Abraham’s son, Isaac. The story of Isaac in the Bible is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ

If we are to love God, we must think of our “Isaacs” — it may be anything that becomes the center of our lives. Is God asking you to surrender something? Choose to obey by faith, and worship God fully!