“When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’
“And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.’” Genesis 22:9-18
From our first introduction to Abraham, he walked (mostly) faithfully according to God’s instruction. He knew the Lord’s voice from first call to leave country and kindred, and conversed with Him regularly. He received His unlikely promise of a son in old age, and accepted the test of offering him back, his ears attuned step by step to heavenly guidance. When the angel of the Lord called to him at the altar, granting the stay of hand and relief of a lifetime, Abraham immediately lifted his eyes to see His by-faith-anticipated amazing provision. Ram secured and sacrificed, he issued a call himself, naming the sacred place for Jehovah Jireh the ultimate provider. Following came the call back from his Lord confirming blessing beyond imagining. (Genesis 12:1-4; 17:15-22; 22:1-8)
It is a natural and busied penchant to do all the calling ourselves. We initiate orders here, cry out for help and favor there. We opine, direct, correct, ask. But it is not so easy to wait for the call we long to hear, to listen intently through earthly noise and loud emotions for the divine voice, sometimes still and small, or to recognize God’s truth and directions among the myriad available and pressing messages. (1 Kings 19:11-13)
If we desire to know God’s voice, how well are we quieting our hearts and ears to listen? How patiently do we await His timing, directions, and provision? Do we trust His good plans and promises enough to move when He calls, to the people, situation, or place He directs? And then, are we quick to honor Him as Lord? (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21)
God on high, keep me faithful to hear and heed Your call, and to call out Your glorious name in gratitude and praise.
As the rain and snow 