ABRAHAM’S FAITH IS TESTED

Abraham lived with his wife Sarah and their son Isaac in a small village. One day, as Abraham was praying, he heard a voice that he recognized as God’s.

“Abraham,” the voice said, “I want you to take your son, your only son, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There, offer him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I will show you.”

Abraham was shocked to hear this command from God, as Isaac was the most precious thing in his life. He loved his son more than anything else in the world, and the thought of sacrificing him was unbearable. However, Abraham also knew that he must obey God’s will, no matter how difficult it may be.

So, early the next morning, Abraham set out on his journey with Isaac and two of his servants. As they walked, Abraham’s heart was heavy with sorrow, and he wondered how he would be able to carry out such a difficult task.

On the third day of their journey, they arrived at the foot of the mountain that God had shown them. Abraham instructed his servants to stay behind, and he and Isaac continued on alone.

As they climbed the mountain, Isaac noticed that there was no animal for the burnt offering. He asked his father, “Father, here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham replied, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.”

Finally, they reached the top of the mountain, and Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he bound Isaac and placed him on the altar. Just as Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice his son, an angel of the Lord appeared and called out to him.

“Abraham, Abraham!” the angel said. “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. He took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. From that day forward, Abraham knew that God was with him and that his faith in Him had been tested and proven.

And so, Abraham and Isaac descended the mountain, grateful for God’s mercy and love. They returned home to Sarah, and their family continued to live in faith and devotion to God for many years to come.