Abraham "is the father of us all" (Romans 4:16), because "the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith" (verse 13). Abraham received that promise while he was still uncircumcised (verse 12).

Abraham was 75 years old when we was called. He had to wait 25 years for his son Isaac, who was to inherit the promise. Isaac was born to Abraham's wife Sarah at an age in her life when she was no longer able to have children (Genesis 18:11).

Some 30 years after Isaac's birth Abraham experienced the biggest trial of faith in his entire life. God told him to sacrifice the son that he waited so long to have (Genesis 22:2).

How did Abraham react to God's request? "So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him" (verse 3).

On the third day Abraham saw the mountain in the distance where he was to sacrifice Isaac. The servants were to stay behind, because only Abraham and Isaac were to be present for the sacrifice.

What were Abraham's thoughts as he and Isaac set out on the final leg of their three day journey? Some might think that the Bible doesn't tell us what his thoughts were. But that is incorrect: "The lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you" (verse 5).

Isaac was the designated heir of the promise and Abraham believed that God would be faithful, even if He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. "God will keep His word," were his thoughts, even though up to this point in the revelation of the Bible there was no mention of the resurrection.

The same God, "has begun a good work" in us, "will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). As we go through trials on our journey to that day, let's remember Abraham's sterling example of faith.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!