God's Friend

I went early the next morning. I knew I needed to go early not just because of the travel time, but also because I knew that if I did not act immediately, I wouldn’t be able to go through it. After the three days of traveling I suspected the others knew something was right. I tried to put on a strong face, but I couldn’t knowing I was about to kill my one and only son. On the third day I had the servants stay at a distance and Isaac and I went further to the place of the sacrifice. The words burned in my ears as Isaac finally asked, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering.” I wept inside as I told him, “The Lord will provide.” Isaac looked so scared as I placed him on that alter. His eyes pierced through me as he watched me, the man who was to protect him, raise his knife to take his life. How could I forsake my son in this way?

And then, the words that spoke peace, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” I cried. Then those words that brought such relief “Do not do anything to him.” He told me that he now knew that I feared God because I would not even withhold my son. I embraced my son and as we noticed in a most unusual predicament, the Lord had provided a ram caught in a thicket. It was there on that mountain that I knew of Jehovah-Jira, my provider, for He provided a sacrifice for the burnt offering. I don’t understand fully why God asked me to take my son up the mountain. But through my obedience, it was like Yahweh was grieving with me. It was as if He knew what I was going through. It was that still small voice that said, “I know my child the pain you are experiencing.”

My life has had its joys and pains, triumphs and defeats. My life would have probably been a lot easier if I had stayed in my homeland. But I have had such a rich life knowing and walking with the Living God. Although I have some regrets, I wouldn’t want to change the path God called me to. My life has been rich not because of my experiences but because I have known the living God and I have known Him intimately. When I worship God my soul comes alive. Many choose to reject God in their lives, but they have no idea the strength, power and excitement that comes from knowing Yahweh. Yes, some call me God’s friend. I like that! And you, what is your relationship with God? Are you a friend of God?