By Larry Deford

There were many difficulties connected with this command…› Never before had God demanded a human

sacrifice› It was opposed to the feeling of humanity› Abraham was not called upon to offer Ishmael› It was in violation of the divine law – Genesis 9:6

In spite of the cost, Abraham gave God his best.› It would have cost him his domestic comfort› It would have cost him all his hopes, the long

promised seed› He did not hesitate – made no excuses

The best of our love› Matthew 22:35-40

The best of our gifts› Malachi 1:6-8; Matthew 6:1

The best of our labors› Matthew 6:19-21, 33; Luke 10:2

The best of our loyalty› Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 6:24; Joshua 24:15

Not a hair of Isaac’s head was harmed Because of his loyalty, trust and

obedience, Abraham received children as numbered as stars

Matthew 10:42“And whoever gives one of these little

ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward”

Matthew 6:33“But seek first the kingdom of God and

His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Luke 6:38“Give, and it will be given to you: good

measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

God made a greater covenant of blessing› Genesis 22:15-18

If we place all on God’s altar, by obeying the gospel

Abraham’s obedience was: prompt, deliberate, persevering

Some never receive God’s best because they have never given Him their best; we will not give our best until we first give ourselves.