Genesis 22:1-19
He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” – Genesis 22:12
To read the passage click on the link below:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2022%3A1-19&version=ESV
When we read Leviticus, many of us quickly feel overwhelmed by all the complex rules and regulations, and we end up missing the main point. If we go back to Leviticus 1, it may seem like it’s just about sacrificial rituals, but at its heart, the burnt offering is about something deeper: the worshiper offers a sacrifice that represents themselves, expressing total devotion and obedience to the covenant Lord—Yahweh.
This kind of total surrender and obedience is not new—it was already shown earlier in Genesis, through Abraham’s offering of Isaac.
To Abraham, Isaac wasn’t just any child. He was the fulfillment of God’s promise, the deepest hope and joy of Abraham’s old age. But when God told Abraham, “Offer your son Isaac, whom you love, as a burnt offering,” Abraham didn’t argue or hesitate. Early the next morning, he set out with his son and the wood for the sacrifice, heading straight to Mount Moriah.
This moment marked the height of Abraham’s faith. Because of his faith and obedience, God swore to bless him, multiply his descendants, and bring blessing to all nations through his offspring (vv.16–18). But this passage is about more than just Abraham’s obedience. At its core, it points to a far greater redemption—when God gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to be crucified for us, sinners.
The truth is, many of us struggle to fully trust God. We cling tightly to our own “Isaacs”—a relationship, an achievement, a dream, a sense of security—afraid that if we let go, we’ll lose everything that gives our lives meaning. That fear holds us back from true obedience. We resist surrender, hesitate to let God take control, and struggle to believe that He is truly loving, faithful, and worthy of our full trust.
What made Abraham’s obedience possible was his deep faith in God—even the belief that God could raise the dead (Heb 11:19). He trusted that God would keep His promises, even if the way made no sense. At the very moment Abraham raised the knife, God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. This was a picture of substitutionary atonement. Thousands of years later, God truly did offer up His Son, Jesus, to die in our place.
God didn’t take Isaac away from Abraham, but through the experience, He brought Abraham’s heart back to Himself. In the same way, God calls us today to offer up the “Isaacs” in our hearts—not because He wants to take everything from us, but because He wants us to learn to trust Him more than the things we possess. Often, when we let go, God returns what we offered—this time with greater blessing. Abraham walked down Mount Moriah not just as Isaac’s father, but as the father of many nations, just as God had promised.
Reflection:
Is there an “Isaac” in your life that you’re struggling to let go of? Is God gently saying to you, “Give it to me.”? Are you willing to believe that even if you release your grip, God is still in control, and His plan is far better than yours? Where in your life is God calling you to step out in faith and break free from fear?
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I often cling to the people and things in my life that I think I can’t live without, and it’s hard for me to trust You fully. But today, I choose to lay down my “Isaac” on Your altar, because I know You are a good, faithful, and loving God. Just as You provided a ram for Abraham, You have provided Jesus Christ for me—my eternal Redeemer. Lord, please give me faith to obey, trust, and surrender, so that I may find true peace and freedom in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.