Genesis 22:15-17a The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the sand on the seashore.
From Genesis to Revelations, God's Word is full of commands, covenants, and promises explaining the blessings received for being obedient. Here is just one of them. Abraham was blessed for giving up his son as the Lord had commanded him; the Lord reiterates his promise which he had made before to Abraham. It was conditional when he made it and here we see what God expected of him... full obedience.
Is there more than just blind obedience to this accounting of Abraham's actions? Doesn't Paul say that obedience to the law is not required, therefor obedience is not needed? Yes, and No. The Bible is a rule book for living life, that can't be denied, but obedience to those commands is not blind. It is life itself. But why do we do them? Because we believe, that's why. But, what do we believe? We believe who God is and we believe what God says. And, because we believe, we act. Like James says, faith and deeds are inseparable, I will show you my faith by what I do (James 2:18). Faith is more than just facts and belief, it is action! And, these actions bring blessings, because we are "putting legs" to our faith.
K and A, There are rewards for serving God: God repays each one according to what they have done (Romans 2:6), That it may go well with you and you may live a long life (Ephesians 6:3) You will receive an inheritance from the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), Receive honor (Proverbs 22:4), Be given a prize (Philippians 3:14), God will give you the crown of life (James 1:12), and much more. Remain faithful, serve him, follow his commands both written and those the Spirit gives you. For, God is waiting to richly bless you. (and no my name isn't Daddy Jay Osteen Brubaker!)
~Dad
~Dad
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