“Went both of them together”
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.’ And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:1-6
Sometimes, God calls us to do things that we would never think to do, but we have to trust that God always has a plan. In this moment, God was testing Abraham’s faith by seeing if his faith would produce obedience. While Abraham’s faith is the focus of this moment recorded in God’s Word, an amazing truth is revealed. The amazing thing that Abraham does as a father is that he and his son, Isaac, “went both of them together.” Abraham was tested by God, and he did not walk the path alone. While Isaac was the focal point of God’s test, Abraham still brought his son with him and did not bring the other young men.
Oftentimes we try to overly protect our children by not modeling “both of them together” in our walk with Jesus. We do not talk to our children about the difficulties and joys of being obedient to God. Sadly, we as parents try to prepare our children by not forgetting “both of them together.” We leave our children to figure out life all alone.
Parents, until your child is married, they are with you to teach them about Jesus. Be like Abraham and walk “both of them together.”
Children, your parents have a task that God gave them, and that is to teach you to love Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. It is not an annoyance to have a parent who goes “both of them together.” It is a blessing.
As a family, how can everyone be more united to a “went both of them together” life?
Should struggles ever be private in a family? Why or why not?
How can you invite someone in to “both of them together” in a struggle you have today?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help our hearts be humble to walk this life united because of our faith in You. God, please allow us to bear one another’s burdens. Allow us to be a family that prays for each other, loves each other, serves each other, and worships Your Father God together. Lord, we ask You to keep our family united in wanting to worship You. We love You, Jesus, and we praise You for loving us first. In Your beautiful name, Amen.