Did Not Withold! (part 2 of 2)

Yesterday, as we considered the great faith of Abraham, we noted how faithfully he was willing to submit to the commands of God even when it may not have made sense to him. He had an “only son”, a son whom he loved and had waited many years to have, one through whom the fulfillment of the promise of blessing to all nations was to begin working toward fruition, and a son whom he figuratively received back from the dead. As I read through Genesis 22, not only am I struck by the great obedient faith Abraham possessed, but I am also struck by a number of parallels.

The fulfillment of the promise to Abraham came with the coming of Jesus, GOD’S SON, into this world. In Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia he made it clear that the “seed” (KJV & NIV) or “offspring” (ESV) of which the promise to Abraham ultimately pointed toward was Christ. ( Galatians 3:16) Though Abraham loved his son, he loved God more and was willing to offer his son. It is because God loves us that He was willing to offer HIS SON on our behalf.

John wrote…
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that HE LOVED US AND SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION [appeasing or atoning sacrifice] FOR OUR SINS.” ( 1 John 4:10 ESV)

Jesus was called the “BELOVED SON” by the Father on two occasions: at His baptism to fulfill all righteousness ( Matthew 3:17) and at the time of His transfiguration on the mountain. ( Matthew 17:5) Just as it would have been confusing for the long awaited son of Abraham to be offered, the death of GOD’S SON was a confusing thing (note Luke 24:19-21) as He had been perceived to be the long awaited Messiah. However, whether it makes sense or not (i.e. 1 Corinthians 1:23) it was the plan of God and He did not withhold HIS SON even though the world (self included) by no means deserved such a gift. The SON OF GOD was offered completely and was literally received back from the dead with His resurrection providing the assurance of ours. ( 1 Corinthians 15:20) Jesus was the “only son” ( John 3:16; 1 John 4:9) God had to offer and by which we can have the hope of eternal life.

Paul encouraged…
“(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) HE WHO DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW WILL HE NOT ALSO WITH HIM GRACIOUSLY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” ( Romans 8:31-32 ESV)

Praise the Heavenly Father that He loved us enough to not withhold HIS SON. In view of the blessings that are ours in Christ may we continue to look to God in trusting faith for Him to fulfill His will in our lives.

Have a great day SURRENDERING WHOLLY TO THE ONE WHO GIVES US ALL THINGS!
Carl

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