Abraham Was Called to Sacrifice Isaac Story Summary

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Bible Story: Abraham Was Tested

Bible Text: Genesis 22:1-14

Story Truth(s):

  • God tested Abraham’s faith.
  • God provided the sacrifice.

Story: Abraham believed God. When God promised a son, Abraham believed in God’s promise even when he was old and it seemed impossible. Abraham loved God and wanted to obey Him. God kept His promise and gave Abraham the promised son, named Isaac. Imagine Abraham’s delight when he finally held his own baby boy after waiting so many years. Abraham loved Isaac. When he watched his baby boy grow into a young man, sometimes he would look at Isaac with so much love his heart felt like it would burst … but did Abraham love Isaac more than he loved God?

In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham. God said, “Abraham,” and Abraham answered, “Here I am” (Genesis 22:1). Imagine Abraham’s surprise when God told him to sacrifice the son he loved so much? His heart probably sank into the bottom of his stomach at the thought. God knew that Abraham loved Isaac, how could God ask such a thing?

Planning to obey God, Abraham would sacrifice Isaac. He got up early in the morning while it was still dark. He took Isaac and the wood and began the long journey to the land of Moriah, where God commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son. Do you think his steps were slow? Do you think he doubted God’s plan? Do you think those three days of travel were hard?

When they got close to the mountain, Abraham and Isaac left their servants. With only the fire, the wood and his father, Isaac asked, “…where is the lamb for the offering?” Abraham answered, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22: 8).

On top of the mountain, Abraham prepared to obey God, when an angel called him to stop. “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him for now I know you fear God, seeing how you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me” (Genesis 22:12). Looking up, Abraham saw a ram God provided for Abraham to sacrifice.

God loved Abraham. As much as Abraham loved Isaac, Abraham proved that he loved God more. God doesn’t want us to love anything or anyone more than we love Him.

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