Hebrews 11 Devotional: Abraham, Isaac, Lent, and Learning to Trust God Through Sacrifice

During Lent, our confirmation students met with mentors to talk about faith and life—growing in identity, belonging, and purpose through caring relationships. Together they also co-wrote reflections on a Bible verse, and we’ll be sharing these devotionals throughout the Easter season as an invitation to embrace thoughtful dialogue and respond to God’s grace with love in the world.

This devotional was written by 6th grader William Weinstein and his mentor Jeff Finnin (pictured above)

Hebrews 11: 17-19

By faith, Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,

he who had received the promise was ready to offer up his only son.

Of whom he had been told it is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.

He considered the fact that God is able, even to raise someone from the dead

And figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Devotional:

To me, this passage means that if you love God, he will love you back and that this person was willing to do anything for God, even sacrifice Isaac, his son.

The way we can connect this to real life is trying to do everything for God, like going to church, praying and loving your neighbor by helping them out. This passage also shows how Abraham believed in God so much, which when you are religious, you have to do.

This is a lot like Lent, when you have to give something up or make a commitment. 

Jesus also gave up things when he was in the desert. He did not eat or drink, and that is why we give up things for God even though they are usually hard. 

Though these are only a few of the times when people give things up in the Bible or real life, it helps understand why we do Lent and that even people like Jesus and Abraham had to give things up. That is why Hebrews 11: 17-19 means so much to me.