Abundant Joy

Today, as we continued studying in Genesis, we considered Abraham's obedience when God told him to sacrifice Isaac. It was asserted that Abraham had to absolutely trust God to be willing to obey what was contrary to his emotions and seemingly to the promise God had given him. It is a great example of where our motive for obedience lies. It is a matter of completely trusting God no matter how illogical it seems or how we feel about something.

I've been thinking further through the story. I had tears in my eyes as we listened to this account read aloud. When Abraham bound Isaac, I was heartbroken. I could not imagine tying up my child and reaching for the knife with which to slit his throat. I don't want to be able to imagine that. However, I could imagine the gratitude, the wonder, the joy, the utter relief and peace that I might have had when excused from such a seemingly horrific command. Just think what heights of joyous wonder Abraham got to experience as a result of his trust in and obedience to God. It has always been such a common pitfall to follow our feelings about something, or what makes sense to us, or to excuse ourselves or someone else from obedience when the perceived consequences feel beyond our/their ability to endure. What inferior outcomes we have experienced as we excused away utterly obeying God. We have often had our interpretive sensibilities dulled and distorted because we don't trust God enough to absolutely and always do things His way.

Saul has been an example of self inflicted joy theft. In 1 Samuel 13, he grew impatient and fearful while waiting for Samuel to offer sacrifices to God as an appeal for instruction (1 Samuel 10:8). As a result, the kingdom was not to remain in his family (13:13 - 14). The parallels between this story and Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac are uncanny. Both men were to offer a sacrifice. Abraham was to offer his son. Saul was to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice for him. Abraham obeyed immediately, trusting God (Hebrews 11:17 - 19), and at the last second God blessed him with awesome mercy. Saul didn't wait through the very the last moment, but offered his sacrifice only to turn around and see Samuel arrive to fulfill God's word. Abraham was blessed at the last minute because he obeyed, and Saul was found guilty and punished at the last minute because he disobeyed.

What was the difference between the two men? Abraham trusted God with rock solid faith. Saul watched in fear rather than a composure of trust as the Philistines gathered for war against him and so acted in doubt of God with weak, conditional faith. Another difference? Saul reaped what he sowed. He doubted God, and so God failed to trust him with His people. The kingdom was torn from his sons forever. Abraham reaped quite differently because he had sown differently. He trusted God and obeyed, making way for a thrilling surprise and most abundant joy.

Trust and Obey

 When we walk with the Lord 
 in the light of his word, 
 what a glory he sheds on our way! 
 While we do his good will, 
 he abides with us still, 
 and with all who will trust and obey. 
Refrain:
 Trust and obey, for there's no other way 
 to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 

 Not a burden we bear, 
 not a sorrow we share, 
 but our toil he doth richly repay; 
 not a grief or a loss, 
 not a frown or a cross, 
 but is blest if we trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

 But we never can prove 
 the delights of his love 
 until all on the altar we lay; 
 for the favor he shows, 
 for the joy he bestows, 
 are for them who will trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

 Then in fellowship sweet 
 we will sit at his feet, 
 or we'll walk by his side in the way; 
 what he says we will do, 
 where he sends we will go; 
 never fear, only trust and obey. 
 (Refrain) 

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