Father Abraham

Take now your son . . . whom you love, and . . . offer him.

Genesis 22:2

Abraham is one of history’s most famous fathers. Not only was he Isaac’s father, but he was the father of the entire Jewish nation (Luke 1:73). Furthermore, Paul considered him the father of all who believe in Christ by virtue of his example of being justified by faith (Romans 4:11–12).

What was Abraham’s greatest trait as a father? The quality of his fathering stemmed from his supreme love for God. In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham, commanding him to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. This command implied the possibility that Abraham might have become more devoted to his earthly son than to his heavenly Father. Abraham passed the test. Despite his deep love for Isaac, the Lord came first.

Is it possible to love your children too much? No, but it is possible to love your Lord too little. Jesus warned, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).

We’ll love our children with a holier and healthier love if Christ comes before anything—or anyone—else in our hearts.