Abraham rose early in the morning ~ Bob Coy

Worship?s place in our lives

So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son . . . . And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." -Genesis 22:3-5 (NKJV)

The first time that the word worship shows up in Scripture is here in Genesis 22:5. What I find amazing is that it comes in the context of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Understand that for decades Abraham had cried out and pleaded to God for a son. It was when Abraham was 100 years old that Isaac was finally born to him! If there was anything near and dear to Abraham's heart, it was his long-awaited and much-beloved son. And yet, God calls Abraham to offer him up as a sacrifice, which is what he sets out to do
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Notice how the Bible describes Abraham's attitude at this point; it says that he went forward with an attitude of worship. This is amazing because at this point Abraham doesn't know how the story ends. He doesn't know that the angel of the Lord will come at the last minute and tell him to put down his knife. In this moment of the unknown, Abraham makes the decision to worship his God.



This shows us something very powerful about worship-it can happen (and even thrive) during unknown and scary moments in our lives. We can still worship, even when we don't know how the story ends. And it's in these times of worship that we hear God's divine direction and guidance.


But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:11-12 NKJV)

Discuss, Dig, Decide

Discuss with your group the value and power of worship. How can a time of worship change your perspective on your trials and challenges?

Dig into Genesis Chapter 22. What do we learn from Abraham’s decision to worship?

What do you think you would have done in this situation?

Decide as a group to celebrate in a time of worship together. Plan your own time, or attend a service at a local church. Enjoy the blessings and benefits of expressing your love to God out loud!