Genesis 22:12 and Luke 15:20

 

Genesis 22:12

“’Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.’”

 Luke 15:20

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Here are two verses of Scripture that are in powerful stories. The first, Abraham was going to do the unthinkable for God.  He was going to kill his only son. The second, a relationship is restored. A son returns after leaving and living a life of sin. We don’t like to think of these because we don’t ever want them to happen in our own life.

But they do happen. More than we know. If it does, you must trust God to see you through and expect Him to work while you wait in hope. Anger doesn’t help. That only hurts you more. Trust and obey.  

Psalm 2:11

“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling.”

Scripturesavvy.com: “This verse captures a profound invitation for us to engage with God. When we are told to serve the Lord with fear, it is not a suggestion steeped in dread or anxiety. Instead, it calls us to a reverent acknowledgment of God’s power and majesty . . . By recognizing His greatness, we are more inclined to act with gratitude and sincerity in our service . . .

“The joyful aspect of serving as expressed in ‘rejoice with trembling’ brings another layer to our understanding of this verse. We find that joy and trembling coexist. It’s a reminder that our servitude to God should not only be motivated by duty but also by a heart full of joy . . . Our rejoicing comes from knowing that we are in a relationship with a majestic and powerful God who is not distant but very much involved in our lives.”

Psalm 71:20

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”

Bibleoutlined.com: “This powerful verse from Psalms speaks of God’s promise to revive us during our most challenging times. The writer acknowledges the troubles and difficulties they have faced but expresses deep faith in God’s ability to bring them back to life and restore them. It isn’t just a statement of despair; it is a declaration of hope and reassurance in the Lord’s capacity to renew our spirits.”

Fearing God and restoration. Whatever we go through because of our faith in God, we are to obey and trust. Our God is able to see us through all we experience.

“Now I know that you fear God . . . he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

God never fails. God NEVER fails. GOD NEVER FAILS.

By His Grace . . .