Radical Obedience

God on Monday
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Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about (Gen 22:3).

Reflection

Abraham heard God speak on several occasions. God either gave him instructions or told him about what was going to happen. In Genesis 22, God instructs Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son he had waited for 25 years to hold in his hands, the son through whom Abraham’s offspring would be reckoned. Yet Abraham did not hesitate to obey. He rose early the next day to carry out what God had instructed.

At times in our lives, including in our working lives, God can give us instructions that appear unfavourable. God knew that Abraham loved Isaac. Nevertheless, God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering. Perhaps the three-day journey Abraham had to make to the mountain in Moriah to carry out the sacrifice was to give Abraham enough time to contemplate the weight of his decision and to build up his faith, despite his internal turmoil. 

As spiritual descendants of Abraham, we too are required to obey, and to do so swiftly, to avoid the hardening of our hearts. We must also prepare adequately for the assignment - Abraham assembled his servants, cut enough wood for the burnt offering, and saddled his donkey. 

Christians are ‘a letter from Christ’ (2 Cor 3.3) when we practice radical obedience by being willing to honour God with what is dearest to us. It gives people around us the opportunity to ‘read’ from our lives the message about God’s transformative power. 

The blessings born from radical obedience far outweigh the sacrifice involved. This was true for Abraham, even though he did not see all those blessings within his lifetime. Whether or not it happens in our earthly lives, we will feast on the good of the land.

Response

God's promise is to work out all things for your good and for God’s glory. Has God given you either specific instructions or more general guidance, that you are hesitant to obey because of what it might cost you? Discuss this with trusted spiritual friends to help discern how to act promptly.

Prayer

Grant us, O Lord, radical obedience in our personal and professional lives. Please help us to respond speedily to your guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

This Week's Author

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment. 

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