More Than Me?

Genesis 22:2

“Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah…”

When God calls a person to be His very own, they come to Him with loves in their heart that compete for first place in their life. God promised Abraham a son from his old wife Sarah, to whom he would bless all the nations of the earth. This promise finally came to pass, and Isaac was born. However, God was not done with molding Abraham, so He tested Abraham and told him to offer up Isaac as a burnt offering on a mountain in Moriah. Abraham arose to the tasks, wrapped up his son and laid him on an altar. As soon as he was about to thrust the dagger into his son, the Lord stopped him and provided for him a ram instead. God responded by saying, “for now I know that you fear Me, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Genesis 22:12).

Let’s make this personal. Peter the Apostle was talking with his risen Rabbi a few weeks after he had denied that he ever knew Him three times. His death conquering Rabbi asked him, “Do you love Me more than these?” three times. Peter responded yes, all three times (see John 21:15-17).

What does this have to do with you and I today? Everyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus will be asked “Do you love Me more than these?” Your “these” could be your career goals, or love for money and security, your desire to be loved by everyone, your dreams, or longing for that significant other, your approval of parental figures, even your very own life. How will you respond?