“Faith is spelled R-I-S-K” (John Wimber)

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today's reading?

I'm completely amazed by the faith Abraham shows when he is willing to sacrifice his God-given son who meant so much to him. I don't think God needed to test Abraham to know his heart, but if anyone else (including Abraham) doubted his faith, this would show them!

I think it's also a very extreme example of God expressing his Genesis 1 desire to involve his people in his work - Abraham is drawn into nearly acting out what God is going to do with his son, Jesus, although Abraham will not realise this in his lifetime.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

If Genesis 22 shows how God builds up faithful people through difficult situations, Genesis 24 is a great example of how God just likes to take care of things for us sometimes too. It also suggests to me how much God values a good story - always a great way for us to share meaningful things in life - because he's given Isaac some amazing ones to tell his kids... how I met your mother... fun times with granddad...

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I need to reaffirm to God and myself that the stuff I think is mine is really his, and recognise that God might want to re-direct me and my use of it.

Who am I going to share this with?

Right now, with the people I pray with. Later on, I expect there will be more stories to share with friends and colleagues about what God has been doing.