This morning I led a men's Bible study on Genesis 22. It's the story of Abraham being called to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham had been following God for years and God had promised Abraham a son. Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarai late in life.
Isaac is special to Abraham... just like our kids are special to us. And God knows that it's possible that Isaac has become more important to Abraham than he should. So, God tests Abraham. He instructs Abraham to take Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice.
Abraham, being obedient to God, takes Isaac and begins making his way toward Mt. Moriah. He binds Isaac and prepares to offer him as a sacrifice. Then, Abraham hears a voice "Abraham, Abraham."
Abraham is told that he has passed the test. Now God knew that Abraham loved God more than anything. God tells Abraham to direct his attention to a thicket. There, he he would find a ram that God had provided for the sacrifice. Abraham named the place "Jehovah Jireh" which means "the Lord will provide."
What's important to you? A lesson we can draw from this story is that we must be careful not to allow things or hobbies or even people to become more important to us than God. Is there something that's become more important to you than it should?