Scripture Graphics #31

Genesis 22:7-8 - "And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. "

This is such a beautiful picture of our salvation. Sin must be paid for, a sacrifice must be made. However, instead of requiring our lives to pay for our sin, Jesus Christ came to provide Himself for our substitute. Just like Isaac went free while the lamb was sacrificed, so we can be free because of Jesus' sacrifice. What if Abraham had said, "No, I won't receive that ram as a substitute?" It would be absurd. So it is when one reject Christ's substitution.

When was the last time we gave thought to walking worthy of God's calling? When did we last think about lowliness? Meekness? Long-suffering? Forbearance? Endeavoring to keep unity?

How are we applying this list to our relationship with church members? With family members? With friends?

For some reason, I always remembered these verses as separate -- the subject of not being tossed about, and the subject of speaking truth in love. But, they are connected (and are part of a longer passage that is good to read as a whole).

Before we can speak the truth in love, we must grow in God's Word ourselves so that we are not tossed about with various doctrines contrary to God's Word. As previous verses imply, part of our responsibility in this is to be under the pastor God has given us (verses 11-14). As other verses in Scripture teach, we are also to study God's Word for ourselves.

As a new year dawns, what better time to make a commitment for two things? 1) Being faithful in church (not just going, but listening and learning). 2) Being faithful to *daily* read and study God's Word.

What have you read from God's Word this week? Any special verses you're clinging to?