We are going to continue our closer look at Abraham's testing in Genesis 22. If you haven’t read this passage, I recommend reading it now, so it is fresh in your mind as we dive in (link)!

One aspect of this story that stuck out to me when I read it this week was how quickly Abraham followed God’s command. Verse 3 tells us “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.”

It doesn’t surprise me that Abraham got up early, cause if I was in his shoes, I don’t think I would have been able to sleep at all knowing what God had just commanded me to do! But Abraham’s immediate obedience did surprise me.

If I was in Abraham’s shoes, I might have dragged my feet a bit. Maximized another day with my beloved son. Maybe enjoyed one last family meal or at least a whole afternoon together as a family. I mean God didn’t say “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…TODAY” (Verse 2). But Abraham didn’t hesitate. He knew what was being asked of him and followed through immediately. It is worth noting that Abraham still took time to pack the donkey, gather servants, and cut the right amount of wood proving he didn’t rush off unprepared. But when God commanded him, he was diligent, obedient, and prepared in the response he gave through his actions.

What about you? As a self-proclaimed procrastinator, I know this is an area where I struggle in my faith. When God gives me calls or nudges that I don’t want to do, sometimes I find myself pushing out this undesired task. And I like to think I am not being disobedient…cause I will do it…just later. But the truth is to stall in your obedience to God is still a form of disobedience. When God calls us to something, he expects us, like Abraham to act with diligence and promptness in our response. He’s not asking us to rush off unprepared (still pack your donkey & bring wood!) but he is asking you to be obedient and diligent in carrying out His will.

"I will hasten and not delay, to obey your commands." -Psalm 119:60

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