The Ultimate Surrender

Dear diary,

9/1/2019, 12:46pm

#The_Ultimate_Surrender

We sing McDowell’s song, “I surrender all to you; Everything I give to you; Withholding nothing; Withholding nothing,” or Damita Hadon’s, “My heart, my mind, my soul belongs to You; My love, my life, it all belongs to You; Belongs to You, belongs to You.

Yes, I surrender it all; Yes, I turn it all over; Yes, it all belongs to You.” Are you sure you are surrendering all? Are you sure you are not withhold anything? Does your life, you whole being belong to Him?

Most times parents’ hopes are bound up with their children. And so the loss of a child hits them with greater force than perhaps any other loss. Because of this, God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac is one of the most moving stories in the Bible. Abraham’s unquestioning response staggers me! Gen 21:11-14, God asked Abraham to give up his son Ishmael, “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son,” v. 11.  In another incidence, God said to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love Isaac and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you,” genesis 22:2. How can God make such demands? Ah, He is Sovereign, I remember! Without a hint of hesitation, Abraham rose early the next morning to go do what God commanded Him, v.3. He trustingly and obediently went to the place, the very spot God directed him, v. 3, 9. Full of faith he spoke to his servants, “We will worship then we will come back,” v. 5. And when Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” v.7 He said, “God will provide,” v. 8. After preparing the altar, he bound his son, and stretched his hand and took a knife ready to slay him, v. 9-10. Wow! As scary as it is, Abraham was willing and ready to sacrifice his son believing in God’s ability. Abraham didn’t withhold his son from God, v.12.

As soon as Abraham revealed the intent of his heart, God called to him and prevented him from carrying out the sacrifice of Isaac. He showed him the ram caught in the bushes as the substitute, v.11-14. God then repeated His promised blessings and even intensified matters with an oath. Abraham joyfully returned to Beersheba with Isaac.

When God asked Abraham for the ultimate demonstration of love and commitment, He asked for Abraham's son. Do you resolve to surrender your life, your being to God?

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae