Good morning. It’s Tuesday, March 24th, aka National Ag Day.

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Genesis 22:2

There’s a verse, Genesis 22:2 (NIV), and it says this:

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.’”

At this point, Isaac is the promised son. Genesis 21:12 (NIV) says, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Everything was supposed to come through him.

Before this, Abraham had already tried to take things into his own hands. Genesis 16:2 (NIV) says, “Go, sleep with my slave…” and that led to Ishmael. It showed he didn’t fully trust God’s timing.

Now God tells him to offer Isaac. The promise itself is being put back in God’s hands. This is a test of whether Abraham will trust God, even when it seems to go against what God already said.

But the wording matters. “Your son, your only son, whom you love.” Later, John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” That’s not a coincidence.

Right before Abraham goes through with it, God stops him and says:

“Do not lay a hand on the boy… Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

So Isaac isn’t sacrificed. The test is complete.

But the story keeps pointing forward.

Genesis 22:8 (NIV) says:

“God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

John 1:29 (NIV) says:

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Genesis 22:6 (NIV) says Isaac carried the wood. John 19:17 (NIV) says Jesus carried the cross.

Hebrews 11:17–19 (NIV) says Abraham trusted God could still keep His promise, even raise Isaac if needed.

Then it all connects.

Romans 8:32 (NIV) says:

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all…”

Abraham was stopped.

God wasn’t.

This isn’t just about Abraham. The language, the details, and the outcome all point to what God would do with Jesus.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: You are faithful and gave Your Son.

Confession: I don’t always trust You.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Jesus.

Supplication: Help me trust and obey You.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Blood Stains” by Jimmy Clifton

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God