Pastor Bob DuPar
January 9, 2009

Journal Entry



Scripture

Genesis 20:1-22:24; Matthew 7:15-29; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 2:16-22

Observation

“He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:5

“Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Genesis 22:8

“So, Abraham called that place, ‘The Lord will provide.” Genesis 22:14

“And, through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me.” Genesis 22:18

“Watch out for false prophets. …By their fruit you will recognize them. …A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”
Matthew 7:15-18

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” Matthew 7:28-29


Application

Abraham did not know that God would provide a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac; but, in faith and trust he affirms this to Isaac. And, his exact words to his servants are, “We will worship and then we will come back to you.” Wow!

First of all, worship is obedience – pure and simple. Worship is not merely some warm fuzzy we get when we sing the particular praise song that we like. It’s obedience – even when it’s hard and we don’t understand God’s ways (especially at these times).

Second, notice that Abraham, in faith, said, “We will come back to you.” This indicates that Abraham really did believe that God would somehow provide. And, God ultimately did provide a lamb: His son, Jesus. He is that Rock upon which every wise man and woman builds their house.

Finally, what a thought, what a promise, that “all the nations of the earth” would be blessed because Abraham obeyed God. I’ve only thought about the personal blessings, or family blessings, that come as a result of obedience. But, what a beautiful thought that all the earth has the potential to be blessed through our faithful obedience to God – through the “fruit” of our life!

Prayer

“Lord, find me faithful. Help me to obey You at all times – not just when it’s convenient or easy. Please use me to bless the lives of others. Thank You for Your amazing plan! Your ways are definitely higher than mine!”