Teenagers!

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

We've always burned wood as our major heat source. My oldest son said he thought his name was "Git Wood" until he was 10 years old. Of course to help their daddy cut and stack wood while wearing little work gloves was a big deal. Getting to go out on the porch, sometimes barefoot to get wood on a snowy day was a big thrill until they were teens. That's when teens begin to say, "But Mom, Dad, I have a life."

Abraham's teenage son was a little different, especially when it came to worshipping the Lord. Isaac was very dedicated to his father and his heavenly Father, so when Abraham asked him to go worship on the mountain, Isaac was ready to go. At the foot of the mountain, Abraham had Isaac carry the wood for the sacrifice. All alone father and son went to the place for the sacrifice. They laid the wood on the altar. Then Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the wood. 

WHAT? Picture this. An old man over 100 years old binds a teenager and puts him on an altar for a sacrifice. I know what my teens would have done. They would have high-tailed it back down the mountain. Isaac could have easily outrun Abraham. He could have struggled against the binding and won. Getting away would have been no problem but he was obedient to his father. 

Does this sound familiar? Jesus like Isaac was born through impossible circumstances. Jesus could have called 12 legions of angels to rescue him from a mob (Matthew 26: 52-56) or anyone else. Instead, He allowed himself to be deserted by his followers and led up Calvary's mountain just He and his Father. He allowed himself to be our sacrifice. He had even asked the Father if there was another way (Luke 22:42). There was no substitutionary ram for Jesus. There on a cross, He was sacrificed for our sins. 

Isaac could not die for his father, or even for himself. Isaac was a sinner just like us. He needed Jesus to die for him too. God wanted a picture for Abraham and Isaac and the Old Testament people so they could understand the sacrifice He would make. That picture is still a good one today. I wouldn't be willing to offer one of my children for anyone but I'm thankful Jesus was willing to be that sacrifice. 

Hey Kids:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

Isaac was an obedient son. I know Abraham was proud of his son, a son who was willing to obey and help a very old man.

Notice the verse says "in the Lord". 
God does not require us to do wrong or be abused in obedience to our parents. 
However, we do need to obey in every other way. 

How have you helped through obedience this week? 
How might you improve in the coming weeks?
Here are some ideas.
1. Be helpful without being asked. That's maturity.
2. When asked, do the job without being reminded.
3. No complaining, whining or rolling your eyes. 
Watch your relationship grow with your family and with the Lord.

Working to be obedient to the Lord

Gail